POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: To mask or not to mask

 

BY LISA KASHINSKY THE YOUNG AND THE MASKLESS — Students and teachers could soon be shedding their masks in schools. Gov. Charlie Baker hinted the state’s school mask requirement could lapse after Feb. 28, hours after the Democratic governors of New Jersey and Delaware said they will lift their school mask mandates on March 7 and 31, respectively. Massachusetts’ requirement will stay in effect through the end of the month, though students and staff can drop their masks now if they hit a vaccination rate of at least 80 percent in their school building. Baker said Education Commissioner Jeffrey Riley will “have more to say” on the mandate at “some point in the not-too-distant future.” “Obviously every state is different,” Baker told reporters yesterday at the State House. But, he said, “I do think the dates that both Delaware and New Jersey are talking about are pretty consistent with [our] Feb. 28 date.” Baker’s been in touch with Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee and Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont, both Democrats, as leaders in all three states review their school mask policies, a McKee spokesperson told WPRI’s Ted Nesi. Lamont wants to end Connecticut’s school mask mandate on Feb. 28 and leave decisions to local officials from there — a typical tactic of Baker’s. Both Republicans running to replace Baker, businessman Chris Doughty and former state Rep. Geoff Diehl, say they would lift the school mask mandate now. The three Democrats’ opinions are mixed. Harvard professor Danielle Allen says masks should be optional starting March 7, to leave time to track the aftereffects of school vacation week. She would also only drop the requirement in communities where vaccination rates are above 70 percent for people ages 50 and older. State Sen. Sonia Chang-Díaz supports “continued masking in schools for the time being” and state Attorney General Maura Healey would decide based on data at the end of the month, per the candidates’ spokespeople. GOOD TUESDAY MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. Boston City Councilor Ricardo Arroyo is running for Suffolk district attorney. Arroyo, a former public defender, will launch his campaign at 9:30 a.m. in Roslindale. He’ll then meet with local groups that provide addiction recovery services and support for families of homicide victims. Playbook first reported last month that Arroyo was considering a run for the seat. Interim Suffolk DA Kevin Hayden, Baker’s pick to succeed now-U.S. Attorney Rachael Rollins, recently told GBH News he’s “highly likely” to seek a full term. TO THE WEST: Longmeadow Democrat Sydney Levin-Epstein is launching her campaign today for the state Senate seat that Eric Lesser is vacating to run for lieutenant governor. She's centering her pitch around job creation and "West-East rail." Levin-Epstein is a Lesser and Sen. Ed Markey campaign alum who also worked for Markey and Rep. Richard Neal’s offices in Washington. She managed Anthony D’Ambrosio’s unsuccessful state Senate bid. Levin-Epstein is the second candidate to enter the race for what will be known as the Hampden, Hampshire and Worcester district under the new redistricting map. She’s vying against first-term state Rep. Jake Oliveira, who jumped in last week. TODAY — Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito joins a RESPECTfully Program event at 10:20 a.m. in Worcester and joins a Local Government Advisory Commission meeting at 1 p.m. Healey, Secretary of State Bill Galvin, state Treasurer Deb Goldberg, state Auditor Suzanne Bump, A&F Secretary Michael Heffernan and others testify at a legislative budget hearing at 10 a.m. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, BPS Superintendent Brenda Cassellius and School Committee Chair Jeri Robinson host a media availability outside Brighton High School at 10:15 a.m. Assistant House Speaker Katherine Clark and House Democratic leaders host a press conference at 10:30 a.m. Rep. Jake Auchincloss makes a speech to honor Tom Brady’s retirement. State attorney general hopefuls Andrea Campbell, Quentin Palfrey and Shannon Liss-Riordan are on GBH’s “Greater Boston” at 7 p.m. Tips? Scoops? Email me:  lkashinsky@politico.com. Also, we’re aware that some links may be missing from Playbook when we publish. Our engineers are still working on it.   HAPPENING THURSDAY – A LONG GAME CONVERSATION ON THE CLIMATE CRISIS : Join POLITICO for back-to-back conversations on climate and sustainability action, starting with a panel led by Global Insider author Ryan Heath focused on insights gleaned from our POLITICO/Morning Consult Global Sustainability Poll of citizens from 13 countries on five continents about how their governments should respond to climate change. Following the panel, join a discussion with POLITICO White House Correspondent Laura Barrón-López and Gina McCarthy, White House national climate advisor, about the Biden administration’s climate and sustainability agenda. REGISTER HERE.     ON THE STUMP — FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: State Sen. Sonia Chang-Díaz has added three more people to her campaign for governor: Jane Rayburn, principal at EMC Research, joins as pollster and senior strategist; Annika Jensen , a state Sen. Becca Rausch and David Halbert for Boston City Council alum, joins as deputy organizing director; and Kaitlyn Solares joins as deputy communications director for digital strategy from the Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of Massachusetts. — “James ‘Chip’ Harrington may run for Rep. Jake Oliveira’s seat after narrowly losing, filing recount petition in 2020,” by Alison Kuznitz, MassLive: “James ‘Chip’ Harrington is mulling over another potential campaign for the 7th Hampden district — a House seat he thought he had narrowly won, but ultimately lost, in November 2020 after a bungled vote tally in Belchertown.” THE LATEST NUMBERS — “Massachusetts reports 6,725 new coronavirus cases over the weekend, hospitalizations continue falling,” by Rick Sobey, Boston Herald: “The 6,725 infection total was significantly down from 12,127 cases last weekend — a 45% drop. … The positive test average has been coming down. The average is now 4.78% — a major drop from 23% in early January. The positive test rate for Monday’s report was 3.87%.” DATELINE BEACON HILL — EYEING THE EXITS: State Reps. Claire Cronin and Lori Ehrlich have already left for Biden administration posts. State Rep. Maria Robinson , who was nominated in September to be assistant secretary for the Energy Department’s Office of Electricity, has her U.S. Senate confirmation hearing today. State Rep. Sheila Harrington has a Governor's Council hearing Wednesday for her nomination as clerk magistrate of Gardner District Court. And state Rep. Carolyn Dykema is set to leave Friday for a job at renewable energy company Nexamp. Holding special elections to replace them is “not as simple” as it seems, House Speaker Ron Mariano told reporters yesterday. Cronin and Robinson’s seats were effectively erased in last year’s redistricting process, and “we don’t want to elect someone who’s going to serve for five months and then not be eligible to run for reelection,” Mariano said. He also plans to name a majority leader to replace Cronin “shortly.” — NO LONGER ACTING: Margret Cooke is now the state’s Department of Public Health commissioner after serving in an acting capacity for the past seven months; DPH chief of staff Jennifer Barrelle is now deputy commissioner; Estevan Garcia is chief medical officer and Yves Singletary is senior advisor to the commissioner. — “Baker seeking major changes in building code,” by Bruce Mohl, CommonWealth Magazine: “The Baker administration is preparing to unveil proposed revisions to the state building code that would ratchet up energy conservation across the state and allow individual communities to opt-in to a ‘specialized stretch code’ that would require new construction to be much more energy self-sufficient.” — “Study Order Snuffs Out Baker’s Drugged Driving Bill,” by Matt Murphy, State House News Service (paywall): “Gov. Charlie Baker last fall impressed on lawmakers the importance of acting to prevent driving under the influence of marijuana, but for the second straight session the Legislature has snuffed out legislation that would have empowered law enforcement to use field sobriety tests and other measures to determine if a driver was under the influence of pot.” — “Baker plans to sign bill to protect K9 first responders,” by Jodi Reed, WWLP: “The legislature has sent Governor Baker a bill to protect four legged first responders across Massachusetts. … [W]hen 22News asked the governor Monday if he was going to sign [Nero’s Law], he said yes and that his office hopes to release the logistics around the signing very soon.” — “Baker pushes for approval of $5B bond,” by Christian M. Wade, CNHI/Newburyport Daily News: “As he prepares to leave office next year, Gov. Charlie Baker wants lawmakers to authorize the state to borrow billions of dollars to modernize public buildings, upgrade cybersecurity and electrify the state’s vehicle fleet. — “Mass. legislators may soon take up ‘revenge porn’ bill,” by Gal Tziperman Lotan, Boston Globe: “Legislators in Massachusetts, one of only two states in the nation that does not have legislation addressing the non-consensual distribution of lewd images, may soon take up the issue, House Speaker Ronald Mariano said Monday.” — “House Prepping Soldiers Home Bill For Vote,” by Katie Lannan, State House News Service (paywall): “Legislation overhauling oversight and governance of state-run veterans homes in Holyoke and Chelsea is on deck for a House session on Thursday, Speaker Ronald Mariano said Monday.” — “Data find ‘no support for patterns of racial disparity’ in traffic stops, state says,” by Nick Stoico, Boston Globe: “A 10-month study of traffic stops in Massachusetts found no evidence of racial disparity in which drivers police pulled over but determined that non-white drivers were more likely to be subjected to a ‘non-inventory, discretionary search’ and had a higher chance of receiving a criminal citation than white drivers, according to a new report.” VAX-ACHUSETTS — “Worcester health officials vote to drop the city’s indoor mask mandate,” by Victoria Price, WHDH: “Beginning February 18, masks will be encouraged, but not required in most of Worcester’s indoor spaces regardless of vaccination status. … Though the mandate will not go into effect for more than a week, the Board of Health agreed to immediately drop the mandate for colleges or workplaces with at least a 90 percent vaccination rate.” — "Survey: Widespread need for mental health care during pandemic," by Shira Schoenberg, CommonWealth Magazine: "More than one-quarter of Massachusetts adults say they needed behavioral health care over the first year of the pandemic – but many of them never got it. They couldn’t get an appointment, or they couldn’t afford it, or they felt the stigma of needing mental health care, according to survey data."   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.     FROM THE HUB — “For Wu, Cassellius departure is a challenge and an opportunity,” by Emma Platoff, Boston Globe: “The departure of Brenda Cassellius as superintendent of Boston Public Schools comes as Mayor Michelle Wu hunts for a new commissioner of the police department, leaving her administration to hire two of the city’s most important leaders simultaneously. … In an interview on Monday, Boston School Committee Chair Jeri Robinson outlined an ‘expedited process’ for the search, saying the city’s goal is to not appoint an interim, and to put a permanent leader in place for the beginning of the next school year.” — “U.S. Attorney Rachael Rollins calls for inclusion of neo-Nazis in gang database,” by Rebecca Tauber, GBH News: “In the wake of neo-Nazis targeting anti-racist doctors at Brigham and Women’s Hospital at the end of January, Massachusetts’ new U.S. Attorney Rachael Rollins said she would like to see neo-Nazis included in gang databases.” — Rollins also told GBH that if Attorney General Merrick Garland chooses to seek the death penalty for Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, her office would have to follow suit. — “Ten immigrant families allege poor treatment at East Boston Neighborhood Health Center,” by Sarah Betancourt, GBH News: “A group of ten Central American families, several of whose members are undocumented, are alleging poor medical treatment by East Boston Neighborhood Health Center.” — “After two decades at HUD, the Rev. Miniard Culpepper retires,” by Tiana Woodard, Boston Globe: “Most Bostonians know the Rev. Miniard Culpepper as senior pastor at Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Dorchester and a prominent voice in civic life. … Fewer may know Culpepper as HUD’s regional counsel, overseeing the agency’s attorneys and legal matters as they work to enforce fair housing policies in New England. Now he’s retiring from that post after a 27-year career with the department — and hinting that he might consider running for public office.” PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES — “COVID spurred bike lane construction. Will the Boston area keep up the momentum?” by Taylor Dolven, Boston Globe: “Nearly two years after the coronavirus hit, many streets in Greater Boston have been transformed to accommodate safer biking. … But as the new normal solidifies, there’s been backlash: from some business owners and drivers who say that the changes, made for a minority of commuters, have been too sweeping and swift — and from bikers, that the process to build connected, protected bike lanes is moving too slowly.” DATELINE D.C. — “Biden’s top science adviser, Eric Lander, resigns amid reports of bullying,” by Alex Thompson, POLITICO: “President Joe Biden’s top science adviser, Eric Lander [who was the president and founding director of the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard], resigned on Monday evening following reports of his bullying and mistreatment of subordinates. … POLITICO was first to report that the White House had launched a two-month investigation into Lander that found 'credible evidence' that he bullied his then-general counsel, Rachel Wallace.” — “Labor Secretary Martin Walsh offers to help end Major League Baseball lockout,” by Jim Puzzanghera, Boston Globe: “Labor Secretary Martin J. Walsh said Monday that he’s ready to step up to the plate and help end Major League Baseball’s two-month old lockout. Walsh, the former Boston mayor and longtime Red Sox fan, said he had spoken with representatives of the owners and the Major League Baseball Players Association about the ongoing negotiations and that he encouraged both sides ‘to continue engagement.’” — "Biden taps new director for EPA in New England," by David Abel, Boston Globe: "After more than a year without a permanent director of the Environmental Protection Agency in New England, President Biden on Monday appointed David Cash, former commissioner of the state Department of Environmental Protection, as regional administrator." TRUMPACHUSETTS — “Corey Lewandowski Compares ‘Trump World' to ‘Game of Thrones',” by Alison King, NBC10 Boston: “[Lewandowski said] ‘I don’t think you’re ever really out of the Trump world. There are peaks and valleys, of course. And I think I’m one of those guys, probably a very small few, that have had staying power inside the Trump world for a long time.’” FROM THE 413 — “In push for ‘west-east’ rail, Berkshire County lawmakers press for track upgrades west of Springfield,” by Danny Jin, Berkshire Eagle: “The Baker administration identified ‘service improvements between Springfield and Worcester’ in a news release Thursday as ‘an initial step to expand service between Boston and Albany.’ But, what about improvements between Springfield and Pittsfield? That’s the question Berkshire County leaders are asking.” — “COVID outbreaks slam elderly, staff at Linda Manor, lead to 4 deaths,” by Brian Steele, Daily Hampshire Gazette: “Two separate outbreaks of COVID-19 at [Northampton] Linda Manor’s nursing home and assisted living programs infected 86 seniors in the past two months — causing four deaths — and 88 staff members, some of whom remain out of work while they continue to recover.” THE LOCAL ANGLE — “Massachusetts nurses call for independent Presidential Federal COVID-19 Committee,” by Rick Sobey, Boston Herald: “The Massachusetts Nurses Association is joining national calls for the creation of an independent Presidential Federal COVID-19 Committee to replace the task force disbanded at the end of the Trump administration.” — “Mass. business confidence slumps as employers struggle,” by Christian M. Wade, CNHI/Newburyport Daily News: “Business confidence among Massachusetts employers slumped last month amid lingering concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic and rising inflation. That’s according to the latest Business Confidence Index from the pro-business group Associated Industries of Massachusetts, which shows overall enthusiasm among employers declined 0.8 points to 55.9 in January. That’s the lowest level since January 2021, the report’s authors noted.” — “Lawrence councilors OK tax exemption for city's Gold Star parents,” by Jill Harmacinski, Eagle-Tribune: “City councilors unanimously approved full property tax exemptions for Gold Star parents or guardians living in the city.” — IN MEMORIAM: “Charles Vert Willie, 94, Dies; Studied, and Defended, Racial Diversity,” by Clay Risen, New York Times: “He devised a plan to desegregate Boston’s public schools. He also stood up against sexism in the Episcopal Church.” TRANSITIONS — Marty Martinez, Boston’s former health chief, will take over as chief executive as national nonprofit Reach Out and Read, the Boston Globe’s Jon Chesto reports. Ivy Scott is the Boston Globe’s new criminal justice reporter. HAPPY BIRTHDAY — to state Attorney General Maura Healey. 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: Palfrey’s in as the caucuses begin

 

BY LISA KASHINSKY NEW: PALFREY MAKES THREE FOR AG — Half a year after he first expressed interest in the seat, Quentin Palfrey is officially launching his campaign for state attorney general today with pledges to protect consumers' rights and tackle climate change. “The three major priorities that we’ve focused on in this campaign are consumer protection, the climate crisis and protecting our democracy,” Palfrey told me in an interview. “But there are also huge issues around racial justice, reproductive rights, workers’ rights, gun violence and student loan debt that the office is really in a great position to lead on.” Palfrey’s worn many hats over the years. The 2018 Democratic lieutenant governor nominee has served in both the Obama and Biden administrations and founded the Voter Protection Corps. He also brings experience in the state AG’s office. Palfrey served as the agency’s first health care division chief as the state's universal health care law was being rolled out, and he worked as an assistant attorney general in the insurance division before that. “The attorney general’s office is a place that touches on so many different issues,” Palfrey said. And with all the gridlock in Washington over voting reforms and climate issues, Palfrey said state attorneys general are “in a really good position to take on those challenges.” The timing of Palfrey’s long-anticipated launch coincides with the start of the state Democratic caucuses, an intense five-week stretch in which candidates dash from event to event — or in some cases, Zoom to Zoom — to win over delegates for the June convention. There are eight caucuses scheduled for Saturday alone, according to the party’s public list. And everyone wants that coveted “momentum” heading into the caucuses, whether that’s from a campaign launch, an impressive fundraising haul, a new slate of endorsements or a decent showing in an early poll. Candidates are holding events to pump up their supporters (i.e. Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll’s volunteer Zoom last night). And they’re showing face in every corner of the state: Palfrey, Driscoll and nearly every other statewide candidate are scheduled to schmooze with potential delegates and party leaders at the Plymouth County Democratic League chair’s breakfast on Saturday in Middleborough. Palfrey starts his new bid with an existing network from his run for lieutenant governor. But he’ll still need to up his name recognition. A recent MassINC Polling Group survey showed Palfrey with 2 percent support, compared to 3 percent for rival Shannon Liss-Riordan and 31 percent for Andrea Campbell, the former Boston city councilor and mayoral hopeful who entered the AG race earlier this week. Palfrey is also the last to launch of the statewide candidates who filed with MassDems. GOOD FRIDAY MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. TGIF and stay off the roads! TODAY — Rep. Ayanna Pressley joins Boston Mayor Michelle Wu live on her @MayorWu Instagram account at 2:30 p.m. THIS WEEKEND — State Sen. Sonia Chang-Díaz discusses the governor’s race and pandemic policymaking at 8:30 a.m. Sunday on WBZ’s “Keller @ Large.” Rep. Jim McGovern is on WCVB’s “On the Record” at 11 a.m. Sunday. Tips? Scoops? Email me:  lkashinsky@politico.com. Also, we’re aware that some links may be missing from Playbook when we publish. Our engineers are working on it.   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.     ON THE STUMP — FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: Former Boston city councilor and mayoral hopeful Andrea Campbell has raised more than $100,000 since launching her campaign for state attorney general, her team said. — FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: Dan O’Connell and Greg Bialecki, two former secretaries of housing and economic development under the Patrick administration, are hosting a virtual fundraiser for state Sen. Eric Lesser’s campaign for lieutenant governor on March 2, per an invitation shared with POLITICO. Suggested contributions range from $500 to $1,000. — GETTING IN: James Arena-DeRosa , a Holliston Democrat and 2014 lieutenant governor hopeful who served as northeast regional administrator for USDA Food and Nutrition during the Obama administration, is running for the state representative seat being vacated by Carolyn Dykema. — DON’T CALL HER A MODERATE: State Attorney General Maura Healey is pushing back on the idea she’s taking a more moderate tack in the governor’s race. “I’m a proud progressive,” Healey said on WBUR’s “Radio Boston” yesterday . “I understand that there are those who want to ascribe labels to me. Frankly, I don’t know that voters or ordinary people care much about labels.” Healey, who’s declined opportunities to ideologically link herself to progressives like Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Rep. Ayanna Pressley since entering the governor’s race, said she’s “not trying to do anything other than speak to what I see as the real issues and the real concerns that voters have.” Here's a hot take from Healey: The AG told WBUR she drinks hot coffee in the winter, not iced. THE LATEST NUMBERS — “Boston-area coronavirus wastewater data continues plunge, Massachusetts reports 4,829 daily COVID cases,” by Rick Sobey, Boston Herald: “The south of Boston and north of Boston COVID wastewater data have now plummeted by 97% and 96%, respectively, since the omicron peak in early January. … Thursday’s daily count of 4,829 new virus cases in Massachusetts was significantly down from last Thursday’s report of 8,616 infections.” — “11,986 new coronavirus cases reported in Massachusetts schools in past week,” by Rick Sobey, Boston Herald: “The total of 11,986 staff and students testing positive is a 45% drop from 21,686 positive K-12 tests in the previous week.” — “Town-by-town COVID-19 data in Massachusetts,” by Ryan Huddle and Peter Bailey-Wells, Boston Globe. DATELINE BEACON HILL — WHERE ARE YOU NOW: Lawmakers sifted through thousands of bills this Joint Rule 10 week, giving some a thumbs-up, some a thumbs-down and issuing a lot of extensions. It was so busy out there, but here's where a few key bills stand: — A bill Playbook mentioned earlier this week that would let app-based drivers unionize has been extended for 60 days. — The Tenant Protection Act that would bring back local-option rent control has been extended through May 9, per state Reps. Mike Connolly and Nika Elugardo. Last session’s rent control bill was also extended before being reported favorably out of committee. — Legislation filed by Connolly, Elugardo and state Sen. Jamie Eldridge that would create a state-owned public bank received an extension through April 30. The bill is also backed by Rep. Ayanna Pressley, the Massachusetts Public Banking Coalition and the Metro Mayors Coalition. — State Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa and state Sen. Jason Lewis's legislation that would require public universities in Massachusetts to provide medical abortion services also got an extension. — ONE OF THESE DAYS: We have a conference committee on voting reforms, but it's unclear how quickly lawmakers will hash out the differences between the House and Senate bills. That'll be up to state Reps. Mike Moran, Dan Ryan and Shawn Dooley, and state Sens. Barry Finegold, Cindy Creem and Ryan Fattman, per State House News Service’s Chris Lisinski (paywall). — WHAT IS THE CHANCE: Same-day voter registration will likely be a major sticking point in the conference-committee negotiations. The Senate passed same-day registration, but the House voted to have Secretary of State Bill Galvin study its impacts — which Galvin, who supports the concept, says isn’t necessary. It’s unclear how quickly the conference committee plans to move. — “Baker sketches plan for $9.5b in fed infrastructure spending,” by Shira Schoenberg, CommonWealth Magazine: “Gov. Charlie Baker on Thursday laid out in broad strokes his plan for spending $9.5 billion in federal infrastructure money, which the state is expected to receive over the next five years. … Baker’s plan for spending the money will not concentrate on a few transformative projects but rather involves a meticulous distribution to hundreds of highway, culvert, bridge, rail, and other projects from one end of the state to another.” See the Baker administration’s list of proposed bridge repair projects. — “Construction industry group calls on Massachusetts Legislature to invest in bridges, despite $3 billion investment from federal government,” by Amy Sokolow, Boston Herald: “After a harrowing close call in Somerville last week, the Construction Industries of Massachusetts is calling on lawmakers to shore up funds for the state’s failing infrastructure.” — “Senate To Make Another Run At Drug Cost Control,” by Katie Lannan, State House News Service (paywall): “A bill targeting drug costs that the Senate plans to take up next week would cap the cost of insulin at $25 a month for consumers, one of a series of measures that a senator behind the legislation said are aimed at boosting access and accountability in the pharmaceutical system.” — “Tax Receipts Already Running $1.5 Bil Above Revised Estimate,” by Colin A. Young, State House News Service (paywall): “The Department of Revenue reported Thursday that it collected $4.026 billion in state tax revenue from people and businesses last month, a haul that surpassed expectations by $856 million or 27 percent and has helped to put the state nearly $1.5 billion ahead of its end-of-fiscal-year target.”   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.     VAX-ACHUSETTS — “COVID spending bill grows to $101m, passes within hours,” by Shira Schoenberg, CommonWealth Magazine: “A $55 million Covid-related spending bill ballooned into a $101 million bill under an agreement reached between House and Senate negotiators, which lawmakers sent to Gov. Charlie Baker’s desk just hours after the compromise was announced. … The final bill includes both bodies’ priorities, plus another $25 million to continue the state’s COVID-19 paid sick leave program.” — “Children ages 5-11 are lagging behind other age groups in Mass. COVID-19 vaccinations,” by Martin Finucane, Boston Globe: “Only 51 percent of children in that group, or about 264,000 out of 515,000 children, had gotten at least one shot, according to Department of Public Health data released Thursday. That number is higher than the national mark, which is about 31 percent, according to the DPH data.” — “The science behind the state’s school mask policy is outdated, some experts say. Should the benchmarks change?” by Kay Lazar, Boston Globe: “[S]ome some experts noted that the flood of breakthrough infections during the Omicron surge indicates that vaccination rates alone are not a good enough benchmark for deciding when to mask or unmask.” FROM THE HUB — “City to tackle plight of Black men, boys with new office,” by Tiana Woodard, Boston Globe: “The cheers, claps, and amens of more than 40 Black men and allies filled Bruce C. Bolling Municipal Building in Roxbury Thursday morning as Mayor Michelle Wu unveiled the Office for Black Male Advancement, a new entity aimed at addressing the challenges Black men and boys face. … The new office plans to advise Wu on creating policies to improve educational, economic, and health outcomes for the city’s Black men and boys. Frank Farrow, executive director of Elevate Boston Foundation, a nonprofit assisting local families facing hardships, will serve as the office’s executive director.” — “Flashes still of violence, guns, drugs, and vandalism at Mass. and Cass,” by Milton J. Valencia, Boston Globe: “[Residents and business owners] warned the ongoing problems will undermine the city’s efforts and even invite a return of the crisis if the area isn’t rid of the drug dealers and the toxic environment they instigate." — “After Globe probe, BPS member asks for new audit of city graduation rates,” by Bianca Vázquez Toness, Boston Globe: “After a Tuesday Globe story showing city auditors found Boston may have overstated its graduation rate for five of the last seven years, a newly appointed School Committee member on Wednesday called for an expanded audit of students the district claimed had left BPS but didn’t drop out.” FROM THE DELEGATION — “Lynch Returns To Feds With New Compressor Station Appeal,” by Chris Lisinski and Michael P. Norton, State House News Service (paywall): “Citing emergency shutdowns and recent admissions from federal regulators, Congressman Stephen Lynch is trying to revive efforts to shutter a natural gas compression station in Weymouth.” — DATELINE DC: Rep. Jim McGovern has hung a replica of the iconic portrait of the late Rep. Shirley Chisholm (D-N.Y.) in the House Rules hearing room. McGovern released a video on Chisholm’s trailblazing legacy and recounted the time he drove Chisholm, “one of my personal heroes,” back and forth to the Capitol for a speaking gig at American University. FROM THE 413 — “Massachusetts AG, candidate for governor Maura Healey called Springfield the ‘asthma capital of the country’ — but it’s not anymore,” by Alison Kuznitz, MassLive: “While Springfield was deemed the ‘most challenging place’ for asthma in 2019, it dropped to No. 12 in the 2021 report from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Worcester ranked No. 11 and Boston was No. 18, according to the report. Allentown, Pennsylvania is now the asthma capital.” — “Report examines exodus of Amherst school leaders,” by Scott Merzbach, Daily Hampshire Gazette: “With interim principals currently at two schools and extensive turnover in building leadership in recent years, a consultant is advising the Amherst-Pelham Regional Schools to better support those who are hired, and to find ways to address a community culture that questions decision-making. … [T]he report notes that Amherst is a place where reputations can be made quickly and ‘the intense following of local politics by members of the community may be contributing to the challenge.’” EX-PATS — ARE YOU HAPPY NOW: Tom Brady didn’t totally snub us. The Patriots featured prominently in Brady’s latest video , which also included a snippet of his post-Bucs-Pats-game “my kids were born here, I’ll be part of this community for a long time” interview. Gov. Charlie Baker said he has “no hurt feelings" over Brady. And Mark Wahlberg is already laying claim to playing Bill Belichick in a Brady biopic. THE LOCAL ANGLE — “‘Crippling’ ambulance worker shortage impacting care and response times,” by Ted Daniel, Boston 25 News: “A 71-page report, obtained through a public record request at the state’s Department of Public Health (DPH), shows Brewster Ambulance — the state’s largest private medical transport company — sent two brand new Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) in an ambulance they were not familiar with.” — “Truro house that was on brink of collapse has been moved back to safety,” by Emily Sweeney, Boston Globe: “This isn’t the first time the building has had to relocate due to erosion. According to the Cape Cod Times, the former boathouse was moved in 2015.” — FRIDAY FUN PART I: “Robots pouring beer? Two Boston companies team up for Super Bowl ad,” by WCVB: “After years of unnerving dance moves and other demonstrations, the animal-like robots from Boston Dynamics are finally serving mankind properly. They’re pouring beer. Waltham-based Boston Dynamics is partnering with Samuel Adams for an upcoming Super Bowl commercial.” — FRIDAY FUN PART II: “‘Give It A Wam! And A Bam!’, Andy The Snow Plow Driver Weighs In On Friday Sleet Storm,” by Anna Meiler, WBZ: “From the blustery, cold blizzard last weekend emerged a viral sensation we didn’t know we needed — snow plow driver Andy Barr.” MEANWHILE IN NEW HAMPSHIRE — “Trump wants Chris Sununu out of office as New Hampshire governor, asks GOP candidates to step up,” by Erin Tiernan, Boston Herald: “Former President Donald Trump is asking GOP candidates to step up and get New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu out of office, according to longtime adviser Corey Lewandowski.” MEDIA MATTERS — "These Local News Stars Bounced From Scandal to the Newsmax Anchor Desk," by Justin Baragona and Diana Falzone, Daily Beast: "Bianca de la Garza, a former Boston news anchor who gained notoriety for being a central figure in a high-profile embezzlement case, is now a co-host of one of the network’s weekday afternoon broadcasts." — “Richmond native Michael Bass named one of three interim heads of CNN,” by the Berkshire Eagle: “Michael Bass — son of Berkshire Eagle columnist Ruth Bass and the late longtime Eagle entertainment editor Milton Bass — has been named an interim chief of CNN.” ON BOARD — The Massachusetts Women’s Political Caucus elected seven new board members at its annual meeting this week: Former Framingham Mayor Yvonne Spicer; Nicole Caravella; Ellen Fleming Clark; Martina Jackson; Christie Lindor; Jacquetta Van Zandt and Antigoni Woodland. CONGRATS — to Anisha Chakrabarti and Nick Sullivan, who got engaged Wednesday night. Sullivan and Chakrabarti, Gov. Charlie Baker’s deputy communications director, grew up together in Canton. TRANSITIONS — Molly Kepner has joined Project Bread as their new assistant director of federal policy. She was previously at The Greater Boston Food Bank. HAPPY BIRTHDAY — to David Edelman, Ropes & Gray’s Abby Cable, Baker senior adviser Tim Buckley and Baker associate comms and digital director Maura Driscoll.  HAPPY BIRTHWEEKEND — to former state Rep. John Businger, Bristol County Sheriff Thomas Hodgson, Trevor Kincaid and Matt Bonaccorsi, comms director for Rep. Jim McGovern, who celebrate Saturday; and to Webster state Rep. Joseph McKenna and Pamela Esler, who celebrate Sunday. NEW HORSE RACE ALERT: VOTING REFORMS & EVERYBODY’S RUNNING — Secretary of State hopeful Tanisha Sullivan talks voting reforms with host Steve Koczela. Koczela, Jennifer Smith and Lisa Kashinsky take stock of the latest developments in statewide races. Subscribe and listen on iTunes and Sound Cloud. Want to make an impact? POLITICO Massachusetts has a variety of solutions available for partners looking to reach and activate the most influential people in the Bay State. Have a petition you want signed? A cause you’re promoting? Seeking to increase brand awareness among this key audience? Share your message with our influential readers to foster engagement and drive action. Contact Jesse Shapiro to find out how: jshapiro@politico.com.   Follow us on Twitter Lisa Kashinsky @lisakashinsky   Subscribe to the POLITICO Playbook family Playbook  |  Playbook PM  |  California Playbook  |  Florida Playbook  |  Illinois Playbook  |  Massachusetts Playbook  |  New Jersey Playbook  |  New York Playbook  |  Ottawa Playbook  |  Brussels Playbook  |  London Playbook View all our politics and policy newsletters FOLLOW US

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