POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: Who’s ahead in the horse races

 

BY LISA KASHINSKY LET THE JOCKEYING BEGIN — State Attorney General Maura Healey has a commanding 36-point lead over her Democratic rivals in a new poll of the governor’s race that also shows wide-open contests down the ballot. BY THE NUMBERS — Healey got 48 percent support in the MassINC Polling Group survey of 310 likely Democratic primary voters. State Sen. Sonia Chang-Díaz received 12 percent and Harvard political theorist Danielle Allen got 3 percent in the survey sponsored by Policy for Progress. In the lieutenant governor’s race, Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll received 10 percent support, while state Rep. Tami Gouveia and state Sens. Eric Lesser and Adam Hinds each got 5 percent. MassINC didn’t ask about Bret Bero, which the pollsters said was an oversight. Name recognition is a big factor in these early numbers, including in the state attorney general results released last week. More than half of likely voters in the Democratic gubernatorial primary had never heard of Chang-Díaz, and more than 70 percent had never heard of Allen. Large groups of undecided voters — 64 percent in the Democratic primaries for LG and state auditor; 30 percent in the governor’s race — also show there’s room for candidates to grow. BAKER LOOMS LARGE — Half of the likely Democratic primary voters surveyed are more likely to support a candidate that has GOP Gov. Charlie Baker’s blessing. And 51 percent say the next governor should be ideologically similar to the moderate Republican. That puts some data behind Healey’s moderate overtures and her refusal to follow her rivals in hitting Baker, who has a higher favorability rating in this poll than anyone running to replace him. GOOD TUESDAY MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. The Baker administration is telling colleges and universities to "transition the Covid-19 pandemic into an endemic.” Citing the “twindemic” of Covid-19 and social isolation, Education Secretary James Peyser and Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders told higher education presidents in a letter last Friday to start “transitioning back to ‘near normal.’” The state officials dismissed “overly strict protocols” — remote learning, “overly aggressive” surveillance testing and “mask type” requirements — as counterproductive. And they called for colleges to increase their investments in mental health services. The missive follows Baker’s recent rebuke of “over the top” Covid restrictions at colleges, where he cited a Boston Globe editorial from UMass Amherst and Lowell professors calling the ongoing protocols “overkill.” UMass officials did not respond to a request for comment on the administration’s letter. Some Democratic state lawmakers and education activists sounded alarm at the letter. But it tracks, in a broader sense, with the message governors, including Baker, delivered to President Joe Biden at the White House yesterday about wanting to move toward “a more endemic status.” And students, educators, and politicians up through the president are all pushing for more mental health resources for schools. Govs. Kathy Hochul (D-N.Y.), left, Roy Cooper (R-N.C.), Asa Hutchinson (R-Ark.), Phil Murphy (D-N.J.), Gretchen Whitmer (D-Mich.), listen as President Joe Biden speaks during a meeting with the National Governors Association in the East Room of the White House on Jan. 31 in Washington. | Alex Brandon/AP Photo TODAY — Boston Mayor Michelle Wu makes an announcement about expanding food access at 11:30 a.m. in Roxbury. Healey gives the keynote address at a Woodwell Climate Research Center event at 1 p.m. BILL TRACKER — Which bills do you think will fly under the radar this Joint Rule 10 week? Email me at 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 — GETTING IN: Democratic civil rights lawyer Rahsaan Hall will launch his campaign for Plymouth County district attorney at noon in Brockton. Hall, a former Suffolk assistant district attorney, is challenging Republican incumbent Timothy Cruz. — “‘We need to change this system’: ACLU’s Rahsaan Hall to announce for Plymouth County district attorney,” by Tori Bedford, GBH News: “Hall, who left his job as director of the ACLU of Massachusetts’ racial justice program at the end of last year, says his campaign will focus on increasing transparency about racial and demographic trends in the work of the DA’s office and in the county’s jails and prisons.” — ENDORSEMENT RECAP: DMFI PAC, which backs pro-Israel Democrats, has endorsed Rep. Jake Auchincloss in its first slate of midterm endorsements. “Each of these 15 endorsed candidates is committed to strengthening the U.S.-Israel relationship, supports U.S. military assistance to Israel without additional conditions,” the PAC said in a statement. — State Sen. Becca Rausch has been endorsed for reelection by nearly 50 state and local government officials, including Senate President Karen Spilka, Ways and Means Chair Michael Rodrigues, President Emerita Harriette Chandler and Majority Leader Cindy Creem. — ABOUT THE AUDITOR RACE: State Sen. Diana DiZoglio got 13 percent support in the MassINC poll, while her Democratic primary rival Chris Dempsey got 12 percent. — THE MATCHUP THAT WASN’T: Labor Secretary Marty Walsh isn’t running for governor. But he’d start in a dead heat with state Attorney General Maura Healey if he was, with 32 percent support in the Democratic primary to her 31 percent, per the MassINC poll. — ELEPHANTS IN THE ROOM: The broader MassINC survey of 504 registered voters found 51 percent hadn’t heard of former GOP state Rep. Geoff Diehl, and 73 percent hadn't heard of Chris Doughty . Diehl had a 14 percent favorable/16 percent unfavorable rating. Doughty, who wasn’t in the governor’s race when the poll was conducted, had a 3 percent favorable/4 percent unfavorable rating. The poll’s overall margin of error is 4.4 percent. DATELINE BEACON HILL — POLLING RENT CONTROL: The MassINC survey also found 42 percent of voters and 53 percent of likely Democratic primary voters support rent control policies being considered on Beacon Hill. The pollsters said past surveys have shown support for rent control is “heavily dependent on wording.” State Rep. Mike Connolly, one of the lawmakers pushing legislation to bring back local-option rent stabilization, said he expects the bills to get an extension order as Wednesday’s deadline for joint committees to give bills up-or-down reports looms. — “Tarr seeks panel to guide pandemic recovery,” by Christian M. Wade, CNHI/Gloucester Daily Times: “Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr, R-Gloucester, is the sponsor of a proposal to create a ‘recovery council’ that would oversee the state’s recovery efforts. … The 21-member council would include lawmakers, members of the executive branch, representatives from the restaurant and hospitality industries, retailers and the manufacturing industry, as well as nonprofit groups representing consumers.” — “With Mariano’s backing, Mass. Legislature advances marijuana reforms,” by Dan Adams, Boston Globe: “While the sweeping legislation is unlikely to have any immediate impact on marijuana consumers and medical patients, it would reshape the industry in many ways, such as fixing a glitch in the current law that has prevented cities and towns from volunteering to host ‘social consumption’ facilities, or cannabis cafes. It would also crack down on municipalities collecting excessive ‘impact fees’ from local cannabis companies.” — “Dykema Joining Caravan of Departing Reps,” by Chris Lisinski, State House News Service (paywall): “Seven-term Rep. Carolyn Dykema plans to resign from her office next week for a job in the solar energy industry, adding to a growing list of vacancies in the House and opening up a top job on the Legislature’s Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture Committee. Dykema announced Monday that she had accepted a position as northeast policy director at Nexamp.” — "Charlie Baker wants to slash Massachusetts State Police overtime by hiring retirees for details," by Erin Tiernan, Boston Herald: "State Police overtime cost taxpayers $51.5 million in 2021 and Gov. Charlie Baker is looking to slash those costs by bringing recent retirees back on the job to work details. The proposal, which is tucked deep within the $48.5 billion budget proposal released last week, would empower the State Police colonel to hire retired troopers in good standing as special police officers to perform police details." VAX-ACHUSETTS — “Vaccine mandate prompts exit of 1,013 state workers,” by Shira Schoenberg, CommonWealth Magazine: “There are 1,013 employees who left a state job, either because they were fired or because they chose to resign rather than comply. That number, which represents 2.4 percent of the executive branch, includes 160 part-time contractors working for the Municipal Police Training Committee. A small number of employees — 115 — are still going through the process. This could mean they are awaiting a decision on an exemption, just had an exemption denied, are in the suspension period due to non-compliance, or are awaiting their second dose.” — “After much fanfare, other cities balk at following Boston’s proof-of-vaccination mandate,” by Anissa Gardizy, Boston Globe: “When Mayor Michelle Wu announced in December that she would put in place a proof-of-vaccination mandate for Boston restaurants, gyms, and entertainment venues, officials from several other Massachusetts cities stood with her in a show of support. ... Some of the leaders in attendance that day did not gain the backing from local officials or public health boards that they needed to carry out a proof-of-vaccination requirement. Salem and Brookline have moved forward with a mandate, but Arlington, Cambridge, Medford, and Somerville ― all of which originally voiced support for Boston’s effort ― have not.” — “Boston University researchers discover how placenta may block COVID-19 virus transmission to babies,” by Rick Sobey, Boston Herald: “Boston University researchers, looking at the very low rates of COVID-19 spread from pregnant mother to baby, have discovered how the placenta may be blocking virus transmission to babies during pregnancy.”   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, major snowstorm poses trial by fire,” by Milton J. Valencia, Boston Globe: “[B]y many accounts, the Wu administration’s response to Saturday’s storm, which dumped about 2 feet of snow in a day, tying a record — was a success, even as the mayor acknowledged some shortcomings. Roads were mostly cleared, and the sidewalks shoveled. The timing of the storm on a weekend was fortuitous, allowing most people to stay home. But by Monday, schools opened bright and early, along with community centers and libraries. Trash pickup remained as scheduled.” — “Hayden eschews labels, vows to ‘do the right thing’ as DA,” by Michael Jonas, CommonWealth Magazine: “Hayden, a Democrat who grew up in Newton and now lives in Roslindale, has not formally announced that he plans to run for the DA’s post this fall when the current term expires, but it was clear in the interview that he will be looking to win a full, four-year term. ‘An announcement will be coming soon,’ he said, before adding that ‘taking a job for nine months is not where my focus was when I took the appointment.’” — “Wu seeks new fee on property sales over $2 million,” by Greg Ryan, Boston Business Journal: “City officials have tried and failed to make similar proposals a reality, but the new mayor has made implementation of the transfer fee one of her top housing priorities.” — BIG SPENDERS: Independent expenditure PACs and other outside entities poured $6.2 million into municipal races last year, according to an OCPF analysis released yesterday. Nearly $1.9 million went toward supporting Annissa Essaibi George’s mayoral bid. Spending in support of Andrea Campbell, who’s now mulling a run for attorney general, wasn’t far behind at $1.6 million. Groups spent $1.3 million in support of Boston Mayor Michelle Wu. PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES — “The Item directs traffic after MBTA bus gets stuck in downtown Lynn,” by Adam Bass, Daily Item: “After an MBTA bus got stuck on Exchange Street Monday afternoon, The Item’s Circulation Manager Lisa Mahmoud helped direct bewildered motorists around the bus and a large snowbank.” WARREN REPORT — “Biden’s FDA pick makes major ethics pledges to win over Elizabeth Warren,” by Laura Barrón-López and Adam Cancryn, POLITICO: “President Joe Biden’s nominee to lead the Food and Drug Administration is making major ethics concessions to Sen. Elizabeth Warren as he tries to lock down critical confirmation votes. Robert Califf, who was first nominated more than two months ago, is agreeing to not seek employment or compensation from any pharmaceutical or medical device company that he interacts with ‘for four years’ following his time in government, according to a letter he sent to the Massachusetts Democrat and obtained by POLITICO.” IT'S NOT EASY BEING GREEN — "Lawsuit challenges Vineyard Wind approval," by Bruce Mohl, CommonWealth Magazine: "A lawsuit challenging the federal approval of the nation’s first industrial-scale offshore wind farm off the coast of Massachusetts raises questions about the haste with which the project was approved and the fallout it will have on endangered right whales and the fishing industry. ... The lawsuit is one of a handful challenging the project on the grounds that several environmental statutes were violated in the Biden administration’s rush to kickstart the offshore wind industry." FROM THE 413 — “State campaign finance office hits former Easthampton mayoral candidates with fines,” by Emily Thurlow, Daily Hampshire Gazette: “The state office issued a civil penalty notice to Keith Routhier on Friday, Jan. 21, indicating that he had missed the Jan. 20 deadline to file a campaign finance disclosure report and would be fined $25 per day for each day the report is late.” — “Baystate using life-support machine to aid most severe COVID-19 patients,” by Mary Byrne, Daily Hampshire Gazette: “A machine typically used for a few hours up to a few days for patients with life-threatening, heart-related conditions has been used recently for far greater lengths of time to support the recovery of COVID-19 patients.” EX-PATS — UM, OK: “Tom Brady speaks on retirement rumors, possible decision timeline,” by Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald: “During an appearance on his ‘Let’s Go!’ podcast, Brady said he has not made a decision, and did not offer a timeline for when he’ll announce his retirement or decide to return for a 23rd season.” THE LOCAL ANGLE — “Historic Cape Cod house on stilts still teetering on the edge,” by Carlos R. Muñoz, Boston Globe: “The house on stilts that has been wobbling ever so close to disaster is still standing after this weekend’s blizzard. The former US Coast Guard building at 133 South Pamet Road on Truro’s Ballston Beach has been there since 1850, back when the Coast Guard was still called the US Lifesaving Service. It once sat on turf overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Now it stands on pilings above the ocean surf, which is agonizingly clawing away at the sand beneath it.” — IN MEMORIAM: “Avram Goldberg, former chairman and chief executive of Stop & Shop, dies at 92,” by Bryan Marquard, Boston Globe: “Avram Goldberg, who had served as president and then chairman of the Stop & Shop Cos., died Sunday. He was 92 and his death was announced by the office of his daughter, state Treasurer Deborah Goldberg.” MEDIA MATTERS — “Rachel Maddow to temporarily step back from MSNBC nightly show, reports say,” by Brittany Bowker, Boston Globe. TRANSITIONS — Former state Rep. Lori Ehrlich was sworn in yesterday as FEMA’s new Region 1 administrator. — Anna Fletcher rejoins Rep. Jake Auchincloss’ team as campaign manager. Fletcher was Auchincloss’ finance director and events coordinator last cycle. More recently, she led the finance teams of Seth Moulton for Congress and Serve America PAC. HAPPY BIRTHDAY — to ABC’s Ali Dukakis, former Gov. Deval Patrick photog Eric Haynes, former Boston city councilor Tim McCarthy, Kerry Akashian, Alexa Kissinger and Patricia LeBoeuf.   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: Boston’s next big primar(ies)

 

BY LISA KASHINSKY Presented by Associated Industries of Massachusetts With help from Anne Brandes FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: CHYNAH’S CHALLENGER — A well-known former State House staffer is primarying the chair of the Black and Latino Legislative Caucus in Boston’s next big legislative showdown. Mark Martinez, a 28-year-old Afro-Latino progressive activist, is launching a bid today for the 7th Suffolk District House seat currently held by state Rep. Chynah Tyler. “People in the district want to see someone with urgency in leading on housing, urgency in leading on environmental justice. And as I talked to people, that’s not what they’re seeing,” Martinez told Playbook. “I’ve got a history of being deeply involved in those issues.” Martinez, who served as budget director and legal counsel to state Sen. Patricia Jehlen until last month, has also been involved in a State House staffer-led push for better working conditions . Martinez would be the first openly LGBTQ+ person of color and first nonbinary person elected to the Legislature. To achieve that, Martinez would have to knock out Tyler, a third-term lawmaker who recently passed on running for the open Second Suffolk state Senate seat to seek reelection in her House district that spans Roxbury, Mission Hill and Fenway. Tyler, who is Black, became the youngest person to chair her caucus last year and is also vice chair of the Legislature’s judiciary committee. “As a lifelong Roxbury resident, I know that throughout the course of the election season [Martinez] will learn a lot about the needs of our community and how our team has positively impacted the lives of so many constituents … [and made the 7th] a more equitable place,” Tyler told Playbook. NEW: ARROYO EYES DA — Ricardo Arroyo is fielding calls about running for Suffolk district attorney and is “considering” it, the recently reelected Boston city councilor confirmed. Arroyo, a former public defender, said it’s important to him that former Suffolk DA and now U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts Rachael Rollins’ “criminal justice reform movement continues.” Kevin Hayden, the former Sex Offender Registry Board chair who’s now finishing out Rollins’ DA term, hasn’t said if he’ll seek a full term. GOOD WEDNESDAY MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. News from my POLITICO colleagues that William “Billy” Tranghese, a longtime aide to Rep. Richard Neal , is leaving his role as chief of staff to join Platinum Advisors as an SVP set off a bit of a stir on #mapoli Twitter about the House Ways and Means chair’s 2022 intentions. Neal is running for reelection this year, a spokesperson confirmed, adding to a Boston Globe report from last August that said the same. Advocacy groups on both sides of the aisle have spent a combined $241,044 on digital and television ads targeting Neal (Building America’s Future, over President Joe Biden’s spending plan) or praising him (the AARP, for a tax credit) so far this cycle, according to tracker AdImpact. But unlike past cycles, Neal faces no Democratic primary challenger yet, and no names are bubbling to the surface in western Massachusetts political circles. As Tranghese departs, deputy chief of staff Elizabeth “Lizzy” O’Hara will take over his chief duties. TODAY — Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito presides over a Governor’s Council meeting at noon. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu hosts a 1 p.m. Instagram Live with Dr. Sabrina Assoumou to discuss the city’s response to Covid-19. Assistant House Speaker Katherine Clark delivers remarks on the youth mental health crisis around 5 p.m. on the House floor. Running for something? Know someone who is? Email me: 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 17,802 new coronavirus cases, breakthrough infections spike,” by Rick Sobey, Boston Herald: “The state Department of Public Health reported 82,466 breakthrough infections last week, an 83% spike from the 45,029 breakthrough cases during the prior week as the extraordinarily contagious omicron variant rages across the region. The 17,802 new daily cases on Tuesday are the sixth highest case count of the entire pandemic.” DATELINE BEACON HILL — ROAD TO RENT CONTROL: Do rent control policies make housing more affordable? That’s what advocates debated for seven hours during yesterday’s housing committee hearing. The panel is considering several bills including the Tenant Protection Act from state Reps. Mike Connolly and Nika Elugardo, which proposes bringing back local-option rent stabilization alongside other pro-tenant policies, and state Rep. David Rogers’ proposal to implement rent caps. Advocates — including new mayors Michelle Wu of Boston and Katjana Ballantyne of Somerville, and Democratic gubernatorial candidates Danielle Allen and state Sen. Sonia Chang-Díaz — stressed in written and live testimony the toll of high rents during Covid-19, noting that landlords have filed more than 25,000 eviction notices since the beginning of the pandemic, as well as the lack of affordable housing. Opponents to reinstating rent control, including the National Apartment Association, argued that such a policy, which voters banned three decades ago, would drastically constrict housing development in the state and make it less affordable. Connolly, who’s watched past attempts to revive rent stabilization fail on Beacon Hill, called it a “hopeful day for housing justice” after seeing support beyond the liberal metro Boston area. It’s not clear when the housing committee will vote on the bills. — “Charlie Baker, top state health official resist lawmakers push for mask mandates, more coronavirus regulations,” by Erin Tiernan, Boston Herald: “Lawmakers who feel like Gov. Charlie Baker has shirked his responsibilities amid the omicron surge left a Tuesday hearing with the governor and the state’s top health official feeling like they ‘didn’t move the needle.’ … While Baker told lawmakers he was ‘open’ to any ideas they had to improve the response to the ongoing outbreak — which has sent coronavirus cases surging to record levels — and preventing future ones, he made few commitments. Both he and Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders were miffed by lawmakers’ repeated jabs at their refusal to escalate a statewide advisory recommending masks indoors to a full mandate.” — Baker said he’s “all in” on raising the state’s vaccination rates, though he admitted getting kids inoculated “is a more difficult sell for many folks than I thought it would be.” The Boston Globe’s Matt Stout and Sahar Fatima have more from Baker’s testimony, including his signal to employers “that he believes they should not be requiring negative PCR tests before people can return to work. Nor should schools or child care centers.” — “Massachusetts Secretary of State Bill Galvin looks beyond filibuster fix to pass voting rights bills,” by John Atwater, WCVB: “President Joe Biden is pushing for the passage of new voting rights legislation in Congress and is even endorsing changing U.S. Senate rules in order to do it. … But some Democrats, including Massachusetts Secretary of State Bill Galvin, are looking beyond a change to the filibuster rules in order to secure voting rights. … According to Galvin, a more realistic approach to pass voting rights legislation is to focus solely on expanding mail-in voting, which he says could draw crucial Republican support.” — “Automakers push to delay ’right to repair’ law,” by Christian M. Wade, CNHI/Eagle-Tribune: “Legislators are weighing changes to a voter-approved law that would give auto manufacturers more time to comply with requirements to turn over vehicle ’telematics data’ to owners and independent repair shop owners. … [The] auto industry is making a last-ditch effort to delay implementation of the changes as it fights to overturn the voter-approved law in federal court.” — “Nearly 90 small businesses ask Massachusetts senators to legalize sports betting and include them,” by Alison Kuznitz, MassLive: “In a letter to all 40 state senators, the group of business owners and managers endorsed a sports wagering bill from Sen. Adam Gomez, writing it would increase tax revenue for Massachusetts, bolster ‘geographic fairness’ for residents who do not live near casinos, and provide a safe option for betting.” — “Baker urges state to pass offshore wind investment to help meet climate goals,” by Dharna Noor, Boston Globe: “Governor Charlie Baker and Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Kathleen Theoharides on Tuesday urged the Legislature to pass a plan to make the state more competitive in the offshore wind industry. The hourslong hearing before the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy was contentious: 90 witnesses, including many supporters and some naysayers, signed on.” — “Springfield state Rep. Bud Williams speaks out against medical parole for first-degree murderers,” by Jeannette DeForge, Springfield Republican: “A state representative and former probation officer on Tuesday announced his support for a bill that would ban anyone convicted of first-degree murder from being eligible for medical parole.”   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.     VAX-ACHUSETTS — “Baker prioritizes rapid tests, buys 26m more,” by Shira Schoenberg, CommonWealth Magazine: “Massachusetts will get 26 million rapid antigen tests over the next three months, which it will distribute primarily to K-12 schools and childcare facilities, Gov. Charlie Baker announced Tuesday.” — “Massachusetts health officials release new COVID testing guidance,” by Alison Kuznitz, MassLive: “People should get a COVID test under two key scenarios: If they are exhibiting coronavirus symptoms or are considered a close contact of an infected individual, Gov. Charlie Baker said during a press briefing at the Massachusetts State House Tuesday morning as he acknowledged persistent supply chain woes.” — “Boston-area coronavirus wastewater data takes a plunge: ‘An encouraging sign’ as COVID cases surge,” by Rick Sobey, Boston Herald: “The latest data from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority’s study to track wastewater for indicators of COVID shows the south of Boston region daily average is now 6,810 copies of viral RNA per milliliter. That tally is about a 41% drop from the peak level just last week … The northern region daily average is now 5,091 copies of viral RNA per milliliter. That count is also about a 41% decrease from the northern region’s peak last week.” — “Massachusetts’ new digital COVID vaccine passport cost $400,000,” by Alison Kuznitz, MassLive: “Massachusetts spent about $400,000 on the state’s new digital COVID-19 vaccine passport that the Baker administration unveiled on Monday.” — “Four South Shore towns to open COVID test site Wednesday in Hingham; $149 for rapid tests,” by Wheeler Cowperthwaite, Patriot Ledger: “While the Hingham site will be charging $149 for a rapid test, at-home rapid tests cost $10 to $15 at retailers. Hingham's executive health agent, Susan Sarni, did not respond to requests for comment about the testing site or why the rapid tests will cost so much.” — “Vaccinated city employees to receive $500 stipend in Haverhill,” by Mike LaBella, Eagle-Tribune. — “Brookline to Require Proof of COVID Vaccine at Certain Businesses,” by Mike Pescaro, NBC10 Boston. — “Milton Grocer Blames Omicron Variant For Empty Shelves, Price Increases,” by Tiffany Chan, CBS Boston. FROM THE HUB — “Mass. and Cass neighborhood on edge on eve of tent-removal deadline,” by Sean Philip Cotter, Boston Herald: “Mayor Michelle Wu’s Mass. and Cass czar — [former state DPH commissioner Monica Bharel] who revealed that she’d only be with the city for six months — took heated questions from neighborhood leaders the day before the city’s deadline to dismantle the tent encampment in the troubled South End area.” — “Boston police and firefighter unions ask judge to halt city's vaccine mandate,” by Ally Jarmanning, WBUR: “Several unions representing police and firefighters in Boston are asking a judge Wednesday to step in and stop the city from requiring they get vaccinated by the end of the week. They claim that Mayor Michelle Wu's directive violates their collective bargaining rights.”   A message from Associated Industries of Massachusetts:     TODAY'S SPECIAL (ELECTION) — NEW SENATOR INCOMING: Boston City Councilor Lydia Edwards can finally add state senator-elect to her title after winning the First Suffolk and Middlesex District special election. Edwards, who defeated Revere School Committee member Anthony D’Ambrosio in a December Democratic primary, faced no opposition yesterday. It’s still unclear when Edwards will actually be sworn in to the state Senate. — “It was tied in November, but tonight’s Framingham special election results were clear,” by Zane Razzaq, MetroWest Daily News: “City Councilor Adam Steiner decisively won another term representing District 3 in a special election on Tuesday, according to unofficial results. Steiner earned 716 votes to challenger Mary Kate Feeney's 532.” ON THE STUMP — LISTEN: “‘I’m an implementer’: Candidate for governor Allen makes her pitch to Massachusetts voters,” by Arun Rath and Ava Sasani, All Things Considered. — "‘A true servant leader’: Driscoll bid for lieutenant governor," by Dustin Luca, Salem News: "Mayor Kim Driscoll has officially kicked off her campaign to become Massachusetts’ next lieutenant governor with a goal of helping lead the state through 'an inflection point.'” THE CLARK CAUCUS — “Assistant House Speaker Requests ‘Isolation Boxes’ for Maskless Members of Congress,” by Blake Montgomery, Daily Beast: “Rep. Katherine Clark (D-MA) wrote a Tuesday letter to the House Sergeant-at-Arms William Walker requesting that Capitol law enforcement begin confining lawmakers who refuse to comply with the mask requirement to plexiglass ’isolation boxes’ that would sequester them from other members of Congress.” DAY IN COURT — "Court ruling seen as blow to Boston police gang database," by Yawu Miller, Bay State Banner: "Justices of the U.S. First Circuit Court of Appeals on Monday ruled in favor of a Salvadoran immigrant’s petition to review a deportation order, finding in favor of his argument that a Boston Police Department gang database determination falsely identified him as a member of the MS-13 gang." — “March 22 bench trial set for New Bedford Ward 3 City Councilor Hugh Dunn,” by Anastasia Lennon, New Bedford Light: “Ward 3 City Councilor Hugh Dunn’s bench trial for three charges, including OUI, has been scheduled for March 22 after Dunn appeared in New Bedford District Court on Tuesday for a pretrial hearing.”   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.     BIDEN TIME — “Biden public approval rating stands at 41 percent, 10 percent drop from last spring, according to UMass Amherst poll,” by Travis Andersen, Boston Globe: “The nationwide poll, UMass said Tuesday in a statement, queried 1,000 Americans, 53 percent of whom ‘disapprove of the president’s performance and 41 percent approve of the job Biden has done so far.’” FROM THE 413 — “Springfield City Council directs Mayor Sarno to enforce city residency requirement ordinance,” by Patrick Johnson, Springfield Republican: “The City Council has directed Mayor Domenic J. Sarno to enforce the city’s employee residency requirements, including using the police to verify compliance, even though the city solicitor said that was probably unnecessary.” — “Fresh off his gig as North Adams mayor, Tom Bernard set to lead Berkshire United Way,” by Tony Dobrowolski, Berkshire Eagle: “Former North Adams Mayor Tom Bernard did not wait long to take on a new challenge. Bernard, who had decided not to seek a third term as mayor, on Tuesday was named president and CEO of Berkshire United Way in Pittsfield.” THE LOCAL ANGLE — “New study scrutinizes campaign donations to Mass. sheriffs,” by Shannon Dooling, WBUR: “A new study finds that since 2010, Massachusetts sheriffs have received $2.6 million in donations from companies or people that could present conflicts of interests. The report from the nonprofit government watchdog group, Common Cause, says donations largely came from the health care, telecommunication and construction industries.” — “Could suburban strip malls be the solution to Massachusetts’ housing shortage?” by Amy Sokolow, Boston Herald: “Strip malls are typically suburban eyesores, with minimalist architecture, increasing vacancies, and oversized parking lots. But some think these strip malls could have plenty of hidden potential, too, as solutions to the state’s housing shortage.” — “Massachusetts receives record $307M in heating assistance as temperatures fall and fuel prices rise,” by Jim Kinney, Springfield Republican: “The White House reported this week that Massachusetts’ $307.5 million share is more than double the Bay State’s normal $120.5 million appropriation for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).” — “Power grid copes with cold by burning oil, coal,” by Bruce Mohl, CommonWealth Magazine: “The New England power grid on Tuesday coped with unusually cold temperatures and outages at several power plants and transmission lines by bringing additional power plants online and relying on oil and coal to generate roughly a fifth of the region’s electricity.” — “Bike lane backlash pushes Cambridge to consult with small business owners,” by Mackenzie Farkus, GBH News: “After facing backlash from North Cambridge business owners over bike and bus lane installations along Massachusetts Avenue last November, City Councilors unanimously passed new policy orders on Monday that would allow more consultation with local business owners on their transportation concerns.”   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   TRANSITIONS — Boston.com’s Nik DeCosta-Klipa will join WBUR as a newsletter editor. — Shelly Andrews joins Benchmark Strategies; she previously was an assignment editor at WBZ. — Casey Bowers will be the next executive director of the ELM Action Fund; Bowers was previously assistant VP for government relations. — Middlesex Sheriff Peter Koutoujian joins the Law Enforcement Leaders to Reduce Crime & Incarceration executive board. HAPPY BIRTHDAY — to Zelda MacGregor. Happy belated to Jerome E. Groopman. REWIND — I joined “This Morning with Gordon Deal” to talk about how Democrats are fighting to keep schools and businesses open amid the latest Covid-19 surge. 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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