POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: Baker’s back in the hot seat

 

BY LISA KASHINSKY Presented by Associated Industries of Massachusetts With help from Anne Brandes SURGE SUPPRESSION — Gov. Charlie Baker will testify about the state’s Omicron response during a legislative oversight hearing this afternoon, as Democratic lawmakers from the State House to the state’s congressional delegation urge his administration to do more to quell the latest surge. Baker launched a new website yesterday where people can get a digital record of their Covid-19 vaccinations. But the governor and his team repeatedly stressed the QR code comes with no statewide vaccine mandate attached. Baker is also holding fast to his stance that kids should be in classrooms even as Boston Mayor Michelle Wu says the city’s schools may go remote despite the state’s policy. And Baker defended his administration’s efforts to expand access to rapid and PCR tests during a State House press availability yesterday. Still, Senate President Karen Spilka, standing beside the governor after their regular leadership meeting, said she expects “more specificity” from Baker today on the state’s plans for handling Omicron and on whether the Legislature “should be taking more direct action as well.” Outside the governor’s office, state Sen. Becca Rausch was more blunt, criticizing Baker’s pandemic “failures” and saying she hopes Baker “accepts responsibility for improving his Covid protection plan going forward.” Ahead of today’s 12:45 p.m. hearing, Playbook asked medical experts what they think the state needs to be doing to address the Omicron wave, and when they think this latest surge will peak. Here are their responses, edited for length: — Tufts Medical Center hospital epidemiologist Shira Doron said “the peak is likely upon us,” given that the Boston-area Covid wastewater tracker showed a downturn in its latest data dump. “The most important things for the state to do right now [is to improve] access to vaccines/boosters, make every effort to increase vaccine uptake, [acquire and distribute treatments, and support] hospital capacity and function.” — Brigham & Women’s Hospital emergency physician Jeremy Faust said it’s time to “stop pretending you can get to Covid-zero by a mask mandate.” But decreasing capacity at large gatherings or in restaurants, at least in the “very short term,” could help. “Let’s also use the National Guard to get more testing going, to get vaccine clinics up and running again … and get tests to local groups, organizations that have gatherings. That stuff can literally make the difference between whether our hospitals can provide the care or cannot provide the care moving forward.” — Boston University infectious disease specialist Davidson Hamer said improving access to tests and higher-quality masks, like KN95s, is key. “Not everyone can afford to order this stuff on Amazon. We need to be connecting supply to people who need it, in low-income neighborhoods, public places, churches, homeless shelters — places beyond schools.” GOOD TUESDAY MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. Voters in the First Suffolk and Middlesex state Senate district will head to the polls on this frigid special-election day to choose their next senator. Boston City Councilor Lydia Edwards, who won last month’s Democratic primary, faces no Republican opposition on the ballot. Some Framingham residents are also casting ballots in a city council special election after the District 3 contest last fall ended in a tie. TODAY — Baker, Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito and HHS Sec. Marylou Sudders make a Covid-19 testing announcement at 9 a.m. at the State House. Baker and EEA Sec. Kathleen Theoharides testify at an offshore wind legislative hearing at 11:30 a.m. Baker and Sudders testify at the Covid-19 oversight hearing at 12:45 p.m. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu joins a virtual press conference about rent control at 10:45 a.m. Wu visits small businesses in Allston at 2 p.m. Stay warm and send me your tips and scoops: lkashinsky@politico.com.   A message from Associated Industries of Massachusetts: The 2022 State of Massachusetts Business Address will look at all the challenges and opportunities that employers face at the dawn of a new year. Join us as AIM President and CEO, John Regan, summarizes the Massachusetts business economy in 2021, comments on what it will mean for 2022, and gets feedback from some of the region’s top business executives. Register here   THE LATEST NUMBERS — “Massachusetts reports spike of 60,986 coronavirus cases over the weekend, hospitalizations keep surging,” by Rick Sobey, Boston Herald: “The 60,986 infection total was a spike from last weekend’s post-holiday surge of 31,184 cases — a 96% weekend jump. … There are now 2,923 COVID patients hospitalized in the state, up 286 patients from 2,637 total patients on Friday. The 2,923 total patients is more than the peak of last winter’s surge.” — ICYMI: “Over 10% of all COVID-19 cases reported in Massachusetts were from the past week alone,” by Sarah Betancourt, GBH News. DATELINE BEACON HILL — MARK YOUR CALENDARS: Gov. Charlie Baker’s State of the Commonwealth address will be on Tuesday, Jan. 25. The governor is eyeing the Hynes Convention Center for the speech — instead of the House Chamber, as is tradition — amid the Omicron surge. “It’s a much better facility to provide what I would describe as a significant amount of room for people,” Baker said. “And it will come with criteria around masking and vaccines.” — “Mariano eyes vaccine mandate for public access to State House,” by Bruce Mohl, CommonWealth Magazine: “House Speaker Ron Mariano said on Monday that lawmakers will likely require members of the public to show proof of vaccination if and when the State House reopens.” — “Baker suggests he’s open to clemency, but does not say if he’ll commute murderer’s life sentence,” by Shelley Murphy and Matt Stout, Boston Globe: “Governor Charlie Baker on Monday suggested he’s open to the idea of granting clemency to those seeking to reduce their prison sentence or wipe out old convictions, but he did not say how he plans to act before a looming deadline on the first case to reach his desk.” — “Massachusetts ban on rent control up for debate Tuesday,” by Erin Tiernan, Boston Herald: “Lawmakers considering peeling back a statewide ban on rent control are slated to hear [at 11 a.m.] from supporters pressing for action on the ‘urgently needed tenant protections’ and opponents who say any kind of rent stabilization will slash real estate tax collections and cut into housing production goals.” — “The next abortion battleground: campus health clinics,” by Stephanie Ebbert, Boston Globe: “Northampton [state Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa] has sponsored a bill that would that close that gap by requiring that abortion pills be dispensed at student health centers across the state’s public university system. As in California, where similar legislation was enacted in 2019, colleges have not leapt to support the potentially controversial measure, which is still in committee. But the effort secured a major victory this week when UMass Amherst announced it would begin offering medication abortion at its health center next fall.” VAX-ACHUSETTS — “Mass. offers QR code to prove COVID vaccine status,” by Shira Schoenberg, CommonWealth Magazine: “The Baker administration on Monday released a new technology that state residents can use voluntarily to provide digital proof of their COVID-19 vaccination status. A portal on a state-run website called My Vax Records will now let residents access their state vaccine records online and obtain a QR code that can be scanned to prove that they are vaccinated.” — More: “ VA Clinic Jabs Not Showing Up On Vax Passport Site,” by Matt Murphy, State House News Service (paywall): “The system draws from the Massachusetts Immunization Information System, into which all providers in Massachusetts, including pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens, must report vaccinations. However, Veterans Affairs facilities, like the one in Bedford, do not report into the MIIS system.” — And more: “Massachusetts and Boston are releasing two different ways for residents to show digital proof of COVID-19 vaccination,” by Nik DeCosta-Klipa, Boston.com. — “Massachusetts extends school mask mandate through February,” by Nik DeCosta-Klipa, Boston.com: “Gov. Charlie Baker’s administration is extending its indoor mask requirement for all K-12 public schools in Massachusetts through the end of February, as the omicron variant of COVID-19 continues to spread across the state.” — “Local companies got millions in state grants to start making masks. But the state isn't buying them,” by Marilyn Schairer and Paul Singer, GBH News: “[As] school districts across the state — and just about everybody else — have scrambled in recent weeks to procure high-quality masks to combat the surge of omicron cases, Massachusetts apparently has not bought any masks from the suppliers it paid about $7 million to build production lines for N95 masks.” — “‘Several pallets’ of COVID rapid tests coming to Springfield, Gov. Charlie Baker says,” by Alison Kuznitz, MassLive: “More COVID-19 rapid tests are heading to Springfield, Gov. Charlie Baker said Monday afternoon after city leaders repeatedly prodded him last week to provide assistance as the Eastfield Mall COVID testing site became inundated with cars.” — “Boston’s COVID hospitalization rate jumps 50 percent; officials working to protect schools, city says,” by Travis Andersen, Boston Globe. — “No end in sight: Surging COVID cases straining Central Mass. health care providers, services,” by Cyrus Moulton, Worcester Telegram & Gazette. — "Fall River's Merrow Manufacturing selling stockpile of 500,000 COVID-19 at-home test kits," by Charles Winokoor, Herald News. — “‘Don’t go sticking that COVID19 testing swab down your throat,’ FDA urges use of nasal swab as confusion about testing methods spreads,” by Cassie McGrath, MassLive.   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.     FROM THE HUB — “Anti–vax mandate leader says she was unfairly placed on leave from Boston police over distorted allegations,” by Adam Reilly, GBH News: “[Boston Police Sergeant Shana Cottone] told GBH News a written explanation of her suspension claims she inappropriately filmed Wu's speech at a police roll call in Mattapan on Dec. 23, 2021; inappropriately told an officer not to activate her body camera during a Jan. 4 protest at Wu’s Roslindale home; and resisted sending police protection to Wu's home on Dec. 21, 2021. In each case, Cottone contends, the claims are distorted.” — “Mayor Wu says 83 people have already moved from Mass. and Cass to new housing, with room for more before crews clear tents this week,” by Milton J. Valencia, Boston Globe: “Mayor Michelle Wu said Monday that more than 80 people who have been living in the tent encampments in the area known as Mass. and Cass have been moved to transitional housing units, and social workers will fan out across the area over the next two days encouraging others to seek shelter, as the city prepares to clear out the tents beginning Wednesday.” ROLLINS REPORT — “‘A very good day’: Rachael Rollins sworn in as US attorney for Massachusetts,” by Shelley Murphy, Boston Globe: “Rachael Rollins made history on Monday, becoming the first Black woman to serve as US attorney for Massachusetts. Rollins, who stepped down as Suffolk district attorney last week, was sworn in as the state’s top federal prosecutor by US District Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV during a small, private ceremony at the federal courthouse in Boston. A formal ceremony will be held at a later date.” — “Kevin Hayden sworn in as new Suffolk district attorney,” by Nick Stoico, Boston Globe: “Veteran lawyer Kevin Hayden was sworn in Monday by Governor Charlie Baker as the new Suffolk district attorney. … In his new post, Hayden said prosecuting illegal firearms cases will be a top priority for the office. … Hayden named Boston defense attorney Kevin R. Mullen as his first assistant district attorney and announced plans to form a ‘transition team to help review office policies.’”   A message from Associated Industries of Massachusetts:     ON THE STUMP — FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: State Rep. Nika Elugardo is tapping some big Boston names to aid her Second Suffolk state Senate bid. Former acting mayor Kim Janey is honorary campaign chair. State Rep. Russell Holmes and Councilors Ricardo Arroyo and Kendra Lara are honorary district chairs. Chavez Group partners Doug Chavez and Eldin L. Villafañe are serving as general consultants; Brian Muldoon and Dan McCormick of Erikson Communication Group are senior strategists; Cristina Aguilera is campaign strategist; Isabel Torres is a campaign associate, Bridgit Brown is a communications consultant and Ed Burley is a candidate coach. Elugardo plans to formally launch her campaign on Jan. 19 in Nubian Square, per her campaign. — GETTING IN: Chelsea School Committee member Roberto Jiménez-Rivera is launching his campaign today for the 11th Suffolk state representative seat, a majority-Latino district encompassing Chelsea and part of Everett that was created during last year’s redistricting process. Jiménez-Rivera pledged to “center justice and equity” from housing to the environment in his bid. — “Methuen Councilor McCarty to run for state representative,” by Breanna Edelstein, Eagle-Tribune: “City Councilor James McCarty is taking the next step in his political career by running for the new 4th Essex District in the Massachusetts House of Representatives.” — “Attleboro Mayor Paul Heroux will challenge Bristol County Sheriff Hodgson,” by Ted Nesi, WPRI: “Attleboro Mayor Paul Heroux is jumping into this year’s race for Bristol County sheriff, giving longtime incumbent Thomas Hodgson a high-profile challenger. … At least one other Democrat, Fall River attorney Nicholas Bernier, has already announced a run against Hodgson, setting up a potential primary between Heroux and Bernier.” THE OPINION PAGES — “Maybe Maura Healey isn’t a slam dunk for governor,” by Joan Vennochi, Boston Globe: “Is Attorney General Maura Healey running for governor — or not? Decision-time is imminent, a close aide promises, and Healey’s recent fund-raising appeals certainly hint at a quest for a new job. … Yet the fact that Healey hasn’t announced is becoming a political story in itself.” FEELING '22 — “Biden and Democrats are beginning to embrace an old line from former Boston mayor Kevin White. It might just save them in the midterms and 2024,” by James Pindell, Boston Globe: “'I am hoping the public will get a view of the other candidates,'” White said. “'Don’t compare me to the Almighty. Compare me to the alternative.' [President Joe] Biden has long loved that quote and has repeated it often. Former president Barack Obama also used the phrase during his reelection campaign in 2012.”   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 — “Mass. cities and towns sue McKinsey despite settlement,” by Vanessa Ochavillo, WBUR: “More than 100 Massachusetts cities and towns sued McKinsey & Company in federal court for the company’s role in fueling the opioid crisis. The lawsuit, filed on Sunday, is the latest in a series of legal actions taken by local governments following a settlement deal reached between the company and attorneys general across the country.” — “Yale, MIT Sued for Colluding to Limit Financial Aid Packages,” by Mike Leonard and Janet Lorin, Bloomberg: “More than a dozen top U.S. colleges including Yale, Columbia and MIT were sued for allegedly conspiring to manipulate the admissions system to hold down financial aid for students and benefit wealthy applicants.” — “Federal lawsuit accuses state officials of retaliatory violence against Souza-Baranowski prisoners,” by Mark Arsenault, Boston Globe: “A federal lawsuit filed Monday by nine Black and Latino men who are, or recently were, incarcerated at Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center accuses prison officials of orchestrating ‘weeks of unprovoked, retaliatory violence’ against prisoners as a brutal reminder about who was in charge of the maximum-security institution.” — “State-run alcohol lab blows another disclosure, says attorney in class action lawsuit over breath tests,” by Stephanie Barry, Springfield Republican: “[The] credibility of the state-run Office of Alcohol Testing has taken a bit of a beating over several years of litigation. And, according to a local defense lawyer whose niche is OUI cases, the lab has bungled another key disclosure as a court-ordered moratorium on introducing the test results in criminal prosecutions is about to expire.” THE LOCAL ANGLE — “Arbitrator rejects contract that would have required Methuen to pay some police captains $500,000 a year,” by Andrea Estes, Boston Globe: “An arbitrator ruled on Monday that Methuen city officials do not have to abide by a collective bargaining agreement that would have given some police captains base pay of more than $500,000 a year in 2020, making them perhaps the highest-paid law enforcement officials in the state." — POUR ONE OUT: “The Sav-Mor Liquors sign on McGrath Highway in Somerville will no longer be telling you jokes,” by Steve Annear, Boston Globe: “The company is moving its flagship to a spot in Assembly Square, and is giving up the large marquee where they’ve long posted humorous sayings to the delight of customers. Luckily, they will keep up the shenanigans on a much smaller sign at their new location.” — IN MEMORIAM: “Edward McColgan recalled as ‘elder statesman’,” by Brian Steele, Daily Hampshire Gazette. MEDIA MATTERS — “Audie Cornish joins CNN after leaving NPR and ‘All Things Considered’,” by Brittany Bowker, Boston Globe.   A message from Associated Industries of Massachusetts: Where does the Massachusetts economy go now, almost two years into an unprecedented public health crisis that has scrambled the job market, disrupted global supply chains and redefined the very nature of work? Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM), the state’s largest business association, serves more than 3,300 businesses representing 150 different industries in the Commonwealth. We hear from our members daily about their challenges and opportunities which gives us an extraordinarily unique perspective on the Massachusetts business community. Join us Friday January 21st at 7:30 for the State of Massachusetts Business address as AIM President and CEO, John Regan, summarizes the Massachusetts business economy in 2021, comments on what it will mean for 2022, and gets feedback from some of the region’s top business executives. Register here   IN CASE YOU MISSED IT — MISSED OPPORTUNITIES: Apparently, people wanted Ben Affleck to run for Congress against former Rep. Mike Capuano. Ayanna Pressley did that in 2018 — and won. “She probably would have beat my [expletive], so I’m glad I didn’t run,” Affleck recently told the Boston Globe’s Mark Shanahan. TRANSITIONS — Massachusetts Playbook and CNN Politics alum Lauren Dezenski has joined Bloomberg’s D.C. breaking news desk. Hannah Green joins BostInno and Boston Business Journal as a tech reporter. Boston Business Journal’s Jessica Bartlett will join the Boston Globe as a medical writer on Jan. 24. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has added Clare Kelly as director of intergovernmental relations, Ellen Quinn as director of state relations and Diego Huezo as deputy director of state relations. Ricardo Patrón , former chief of staff to Boston City Councilor Lydia Edwards, is Wu’s new press secretary. HAPPY BIRTHDAY — to former GOP Senate candidate Kevin O’Connor and Salesforce’s Ben Finkenbinder. 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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