POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: The Covid-aid cavalry is coming

 

BY LISA KASHINSKY With help from Anne Brandes WHAT A RELIEF — A new Covid-19 aid package is on the move on Beacon Hill and more testing is on the way to schools, as Gov. Charlie Baker says Massachusetts is “ on the backside of the Omicron surge.” House lawmakers will take up a $55 million Covid spending bill today that would put $25 million toward expanding testing sites, another $25 million toward buying and distributing high-quality masks like N95s and KN95s to students and school staff, and $5 million toward boosting vaccinations among kids ages 5 to 11. Masks must be distributed by Feb. 28, and the state will seek reimbursement from the feds for the cost. The Senate is expected to take up the bill next week as lawmakers look to fast-track the legislation to Baker’s desk. The bill comes a week after lawmakers grilled Baker on all three of those issues at an oversight hearing on the Omicron surge. And it dropped right before the governor rolled out a new rapid-test program for schools. Baker told reporters yesterday that the “biggest challenge” with testing “is much more about staff than it is about either supplies or dollars.” He’s set to make another Covid testing announcement at an early learning center in Boston this afternoon. Teachers union leaders cheered the day’s developments, but they called the rapid-test program “reactive” rather than “proactive.” Massachusetts Teachers Association President Merrie Najimy told Playbook “we lack clarity” on how schools already overwhelmed by Omicron’s challenges are supposed to implement the program. Beth Kontos, president of the American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts, urged Beacon Hill to “get going” on the mask and vaccination legislation. “Quality masks for kids should have been on the docket in September,” Kontos told Playbook. “It’s especially important in cities with high poverty rates.” Lawmakers, union leaders and school staff are already looking ahead to how the state will handle the next surge. The Massachusetts Education Justice Alliance is holding a virtual press conference today calling on Baker for a statewide “protection plan” for schools. GOOD WEDNESDAY MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. House Majority Leader Claire Cronin will become U.S. Ambassador to Ireland Claire Cronin today. The Easton Democrat will deliver her farewell speech and will be sworn in as ambassador after the House gavels into session at 11 a.m. It’s not clear when House Speaker Ron Mariano will appoint a new majority leader — Speaker Pro Tempore Kate Hogan and Assistant Majority Leader Mike Moran’s names are being floated in State House circles as potential replacements — or whether the House will schedule a special election to fill the rest of Cronin’s term. TODAY — Baker, Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito and state education officials make a Covid testing announcement at Ellis Early Learning at 1 p.m. Polito presides over a Governor’s Council meeting at noon. THE LATEST NUMBERS — “Massachusetts reports 56,489 coronavirus cases after the long weekend, hospitalizations decline,” by Rick Sobey, Boston Herald: “State health officials reported more than 56,000 new coronavirus cases after the long weekend, as infection rates dip amid the extremely contagious omicron variant. … The state’s positive test average is now 17.44 percent — down from 23 percent earlier this month. The positive test rate for Tuesday’s report was 15.45 percent.”   BECOME A GLOBAL INSIDER: The world is more connected than ever. It has never been more essential to identify, unpack and analyze important news, trends and decisions shaping our future — and we’ve got you covered! Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, Global Insider author Ryan Heath navigates the global news maze and connects you to power players and events changing our world. Don’t miss out on this influential global community. Subscribe now.     DATELINE BEACON HILL — ON THE MOVE: The Covid relief bill would also set the state primary for Sept. 6, in response to Secretary of State Bill Galvin’s request to move up the primary date to get absentee ballots out in time. And it would extend pandemic-era policies including remote public meetings, notarization and reverse-mortgage counseling through mid-July. — “Massachusetts created a commission to study qualified immunity. Reform advocates aren’t happy with the result,” by Nik DeCosta-Klipa, Boston.com: “[A]fter a five-month study, the commission tasked with specifically studying qualified immunity held off on any additional reforms. Instead, the 15-member group recommended last week that legislators wait another two years while the rest of the police reform bill is implemented. The group also suggested two changes be made to the state’s civil rights laws. … Rep. Ayanna Pressley, one of the country’s leading qualified immunity critics, went so far as to call the commission’s recommendations ‘dangerous,’ arguing that communities of color will continue to be disproportionately affected.” — “Massachusetts bill would mandate notifications before leased vehicles are repossessed,” by WCVB: “Lease companies are not required to let you know before they take back your vehicle. … [State Sen. Paul Feeney] is now sponsoring a bill that would change that, requiring notice before a leased vehicle is repossessed, similar to what is necessary for cars that are financed.” VAX-ACHUSETTS — “Mass. relaxes contact tracing in schools that offer rapid tests to students and staff,” by Travis Andersen and Naomi Martin, Boston Globe: “Governor Charlie Baker announced Tuesday his administration would allow schools to stop ‘test-and-stay’ and contact-tracing efforts if they join a new state initiative offering weekly rapid at-home COVID-19 tests to staffers and students. The move, which was praised by school leaders and the state’s largest teachers’ union, was aimed at relieving overburdened school nurses and other employees at a time of high COVID cases and data showing low spread in schools.” — “Tensions rise as Mass. changes school COVID measures for ‘current state of pandemic’,” by Jenna Russell and Naomi Martin, Boston Globe: “A vocal contingent of experts say the time has come for schools to prioritize pre-pandemic routines over arduous measures to contain an illness that has, so far, caused few children serious symptoms. And schools have begun to change their practices.” — “Municipalities wrangle with how to keep rapid tests in residents’ hands without excluding undocumented immigrants,” by Sarah Betancourt, GBH News: “Some towns and cities are changing their approaches to distributing tests — asking for an ID or a piece of mail with their address to prove their residence when they didn’t before, or giving tests to local nonprofits or churches that are trusted by local undocumented residents — in an effort to meet both needs.” — “Boosters roll out unevenly, as worker shortages hamper outreach,” by Felice J. Freyer, Boston Globe: “Gladys Vega was out sick with COVID-19 the first week of January, bedridden for seven days. And like millions of others, Vega hadn’t gotten the booster shot that might have prevented her illness, or made it milder. Vega wanted the shot — she even runs an agency that provides vaccines, the renowned Chelsea community service group called La Colaborativa. But, Vega explained on Friday, her voice still hoarse, she had gone three times to a vaccine clinic, only to find lines so long she knew supplies would run out before she could get to the front.” — "'Health care heroes really got the shaft': Some workers with COVID had to fight for pay," by Beth Healy and Saurabh Datar, WBUR: "[Susan Crowell] is one of thousands of Massachusetts workers exposed to the virus on the job during this pandemic — and one of hundreds who’ve had to fight to be compensated for medical care and lost wages when they got sick." FROM THE HUB — JANEY’S NEXT MOVE: Former Boston city councilor and acting mayor Kim Janey is joining Harvard Kennedy School’s Institute of Politics as a resident fellow for the spring semester. “I had the honor of leading my city during a time of unprecedented challenges,” Janey said in a statement. “I am excited to join the Harvard community in discussions on how we move U.S. cities forward as we tackle the twin pandemic of Covid and systemic racism.” Maya Rupert, a former senior advisor to Sen. Elizabeth Warren’s presidential bid; Gerald Seib of The Wall Street Journal; former Peace Corps director Jody Olsen; APIAVote Executive Director Christine Chen and Seven Letter partner Brendan Buck round out the fellows. — "How Omicron ruined new mayors’ honeymoons," by Lisa Kashinsky, POLITICO: "Michelle Wu wakes up nearly every morning to protesters outside her home demanding the new Boston mayor call off her vaccine mandate for city workers. In Atlanta, Omicron-fueled staffing shortages are wreaking havoc on everything from Mayor Andre Dickens’ public-safety plans to residents’ trash pickup. ... The Omicron surge didn’t just upend mayors’ inaugural fetes. It’s overtaken their first days and weeks in office." — “Wu touts smooth vaccine mandate rollout, says protests at home reflect ‘fragile state of democracy’,” by Zoe Mathews, GBH News: “Boston saw a jump in COVID-19 vaccinations the week before the city’s new proof of vaccination mandate went into effect, with 81 percent of residents now having received at least one dose, Mayor Michelle Wu told Boston Public Radio on Tuesday.” — “Protestors depart from Michelle Wu’s house — and end up at Ed Flynn’s,” by Sean Philip Cotter, Boston Herald: “There’s been some peace and quiet for a couple of days outside Mayor Michelle Wu’s Roslindale home — because the protestors who’ve been screaming at her about the vaccine mandate trekked across town and began doing so outside Council President Ed Flynn’s house.” — “2021 set records in Boston’s housing market. What now?” by Tim Logan, Boston Globe: “Greater Boston’s housing market had a record-setting year in 2021, hitting all-time highs for both prices and number of sales. And local real estate groups predict more of the same in 2022, as long as there are enough houses to buy.” ON THE STUMP — FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: Lawrence City Councilor Pavel Payano will run for the First Essex state Senate seat that includes Lawrence, Methuen and part of Haverhill. Payano, a former school committee member who has run for the Senate before, says he’ll focus on expanding access to high-quality education and tackle the region’s housing, transportation, environmental and economic challenges. Methuen City Council Vice Chair Eunice Zeigler is also running for the First Essex seat. — “Cruz formally launches rep campaign, Dominguez joins race,” by Julie Manganis, Salem News: “Less than two weeks after announcing his intent to replace his former boss as 7th District representative, Manny Cruz has picked up a major endorsement. Cruz announced Tuesday that he’s received the backing of Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll — who has announced her own candidacy for lieutenant governor. … On Monday, Salem Councilor-at-Large Domingo Dominguez announced on Twitter that he would also be entering the race to replace Rep. Paul Tucker.” — “Keller @ Large: Voter Rights Debate Isn’t Just On The National Level, It’s Happening In Massachusetts,” by Jon Keller, WBZ: “It’s the issue propelling Boston NAACP President Tanisha Sullivan to run for secretary of state. … The Massachusetts House let pandemic-era voting changes like mail-in and expanded early voting expire last month, despite their apparent popularity with the voters. Sullivan doesn’t see why.” BALLOT BATTLES — “Lyft makes largest one-time political donation in Massachusetts history, fueling gig worker ballot fight,” by Matt Stout and John Hilliard, Boston Globe: “The rideshare giant Lyft gave a whopping $14.4 million to a committee supporting the petitions, most of which came in a $13 million donation on Dec. 30, newly released records show. … The committee also enlisted Conan Harris & Associates, a management consulting firm run and founded by the husband of Representative Ayanna Pressley. Harris’s work appears to put him at direct odds with Pressley’s own stance on the issue.”   STEP INSIDE THE WEST WING: What's really happening in West Wing offices? Find out who's up, who's down, and who really has the president’s ear in our West Wing Playbook newsletter, the insider's guide to the Biden White House and Cabinet. For buzzy nuggets and details that you won't find anywhere else, subscribe today.     DAY IN COURT — “Boston appears headed for Supreme Court loss over refusal to fly a Christian flag,” by Pete Williams, NBC News: “The Supreme Court on Tuesday seemed prepared to rule that the city of Boston was wrong when it refused to let an organization fly a Christian flag in front of city hall. … Conservative justices also said Boston was wrong to conclude that allowing the Christian flag to fly would be an unconstitutional government endorsement of religion.” — “Mass. woman and N.H. woman are arrested in connection with Jan. 6 attack on US Capitol,” by Jeremy C. Fox, Boston Globe: “A 36-year-old woman from Dracut and her girlfriend, a 33-year-old New Hampshire woman, were arrested Tuesday by the FBI Boston’s Joint Terrorism Task Force in connection with the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the US Capitol building in Washington, D.C., officials said.” — “Harvard immigration clinic sues for records on ICE detention,” by The Associated Press: “A Harvard Law School clinic has sued federal immigration officials for failing to release records about the use of solitary confinement in immigration detention facilities.” PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES — “State to get $1.12B fed funds to fix bridges,” by Christian M. Wade, CNHI/Eagle-Tribune: “The U.S. Department of Transportation is sending $1.12 billion to the Bay State over the next five years for bridge upgrades as part of the state's share of funding from the $1 trillion infrastructure and jobs law, signed by President Joe Biden in November. Initially, the state will get more than $225 million in the current fiscal year.” — “Emirates Airlines suspends flights to Boston Logan because of 5G mobile ‘operational concerns’,” by Rick Sobey, Boston Herald: “Emirates Airlines is suspending flights to Boston Logan International Airport, the Dubai-based airline announced Tuesday as concerns swirl about the impact of 5G mobile network services at airports.” — "Making riders tap their CharlieCard to leave could reduce expected fare evasion surge, new analysis finds," by Taylor Dolven, Boston Globe: "Having MBTA riders tap their CharlieCards, phones, or credit cards while exiting the Green Line could reduce an anticipated increase in fare evasion when the MBTA’s new fare collection system is expected to be completed in 2024, a new report suggests." WARREN REPORT — FILI-BUSTING: Sen. Elizabeth Warren is yet again calling to abolish the filibuster to pass voting-rights legislation. This time, she did it by delivering a filibuster-length speech from the Senate last night in which she read excerpts from articles chronicling restrictive voting laws. “These efforts to subvert our democracy cannot be allowed to stand,” Warren said. — “Warren dodges on whether Sinema, Manchin should be challenged in primaries,” by Caroline Vakil, The Hill: “Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) on Tuesday dodged a question on whether Democrats should pose primary challenges in 2024 to either Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) or Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.), the two Senate Democrat holdouts on getting rid of the filibuster.” FROM THE 413 — IN MEMORIAM: “East Longmeadow Town Council member Thomas C. O’Connor dies,” by Patrick Johnson, Springfield Republican. — “Northampton health officials end vaccine passport debate,” by Brian Steele, Daily Hampshire Gazette: “City health officials have no plans to implement a COVID-19 vaccine requirement for customers and employees of indoor businesses, putting to rest the controversial idea that drew hundreds of public comments over the course of several weeks.” — “Communities continue contact tracing, without state support,” by Bera Dunau, Daily Hampshire Gazette: “Last month, the state’s COVID-19 Community Tracing Collaborative (CTC) ceased operation, and its existence is missed in Easthampton. ‘They could cover us,’ said Bri Eichstaedt, Easthampton’s public health director. ‘We’re struggling right now to even call all of our cases.’” THE LOCAL ANGLE — “Rachael Rollins, FBI special agent meet with Massachusetts Jewish community after synagogue hostage crisis, security trainings highlighted,” by Rick Sobey, Boston Herald: “The Texas synagogue hostage crisis hit home for Jewish communities all across the world over the weekend, including for Bay State Jewish people who heard from the FBI and U.S. Attorney on Tuesday in the wake of the horrifying incident.” — “MGM Springfield reports higher gambling take in December,” by Jim Kinney, Springfield Republican: “MGM Springfield took in $22.2 million in slot machine and table game revenue in December, according to figures released Tuesday by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. All three of the state’s casinos reported increases in the monthly report.” — “Framingham principal who went on leave in March may still be on payroll. What we don’t know,” by Zane Razzaq, MetroWest Daily News: “A former school principal is apparently still on the district’s payroll months after she stopped working, but the district has refused to turn over any records that may shed light on her absence.” MEANWHILE IN NEW HAMPSHIRE — “N.H. governor questions Mass. court’s handling of Harmony Montgomery case,” by Dugan Arnett and Elizabeth Koh, Boston Globe: “New Hampshire Governor Christopher T. Sununu offered a scathing rebuke Tuesday of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, demanding to know why a judge in 2019 awarded custody of Harmony Montgomery to her father, a man with a violent history who is now jailed and eyed in her disappearance.” MEANWHILE IN RHODE ISLAND — “R.I. Congressman James Langevin won’t seek reelection,” by Dan McGowan and Edward Fitzpatrick, Boston Globe: “It’s rare for one of Rhode Island’s two House seats to open up — the last time was 2010, when David Cicilline won the race to replace former congressman Patrick Kennedy — so Langevin’s retirement is sure to set off a flurry of speculation about who [will] run for the job.” SPOTTED — Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and former Boston city councilor Matt O’Malley on an MBTA shuttle bus because of an Orange Line power outage. Pols, they’re just like us. TRANSITIONS — Jessica Morris, who served as chief of staff to O’Malley, joins Benchmark Strategies as assistant vice president of public affairs. — Boston Business Journal’s Catherine Carlock joins the Boston Globe in February to cover real estate and development. The Miami Herald’s Samantha Gross joins the Globe’s politics team next month as well. — Beacon Communities has hired Diana DiPreta as SVP of development finance. HAPPY BIRTHDAY — to state Sen. Julian Cyr Want to make an impact? POLITICO Massachusetts has a variety of solutions available for partners looking to reach and activate the most influential people in the Bay State. Have a petition you want signed? A cause you’re promoting? Seeking to increase brand awareness among this key audience? Share your message with our influential readers to foster engagement and drive action. Contact Jesse Shapiro to find out how: jshapiro@politico.com.   Follow us on Twitter Lisa Kashinsky @lisakashinsky   Subscribe to the POLITICO Playbook family Playbook  |  Playbook PM  |  California Playbook  |  Florida Playbook  |  Illinois Playbook  |  Massachusetts Playbook  |  New Jersey Playbook  |  New York Playbook  |  Ottawa Playbook  |  Brussels Playbook  |  London Playbook View all our politics and policy newsletters FOLLOW US

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POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: Healey makes a call

 

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.   STEP INSIDE THE WEST WING: What's really happening in West Wing offices? Find out who's up, who's down, and who really has the president’s ear in our West Wing Playbook newsletter, the insider's guide to the Biden White House and Cabinet. For buzzy nuggets and details that you won't find anywhere else, subscribe today.       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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