News : POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: MISFIRES in VACCINE ROLLOUT — COMMUTER RAIL CUTS begin

Monday, January 25, 2021

POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: MISFIRES in VACCINE ROLLOUT — COMMUTER RAIL CUTS begin — LAWSUIT roils POT COMPANIES

Jan 25, 2021

Presented by the American Heart Association

GOOD MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. Happy Monday!

THE STATE OF THE ROLLOUT — When Gov. Charlie Baker delivers his State of the State address on Tuesday evening, the Covid-19 vaccine will be the topic on everyone's mind.

Baker's annual speech will happen almost a year into the coronavirus crisis, as case numbers decrease after a holiday surge, and while a new, highly contagious strain of the virus is beginning to be detected here. It will also occur amid unprecedented loss: More than 13,800 people have died of coronavirus in Massachusetts, according to the state's Department of Public Health.

And Baker is leading the state through the early stages of an enormous logistical task — the vaccine rollout. Massachusetts is behind more than half the country when it comes to the percentage of the population that has been vaccinated, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

That statistic isn't new. But frustration over the pace of the vaccine distribution has grown. Senate President Karen Spilka said the state needs "better communication and increased information" from the Baker administration on the vaccination plan, during an interview on WCVB's "On the Record." Rep. Ayanna Pressley told the Dorchester Reporter the rollout has been "delayed and disorganized."

The state's vaccine troubles were front page news over the weekend. The first headline on Sunday's Boston Globe read: "Misfires bedevil rollout of vaccines." A pair stories in the paper pointed out there's no centralized place to schedule a vaccination, unlike other states, and that Black and Latino residents of Suffolk County have to travel farther than white residents to receive a dose.

And as the state works to increase the pace of vaccination, different groups are advocating for priority in the vaccine line, while some state lawmakers are worried vaccination sites in their districts won't meet demand when the rollout enters phase two.

To speed up the process, new vaccination sites are rolling out this week . And Massachusetts recently broadened guidelines for who can receive the vaccine, including hospital workers who don't directly interact with patients. Hospital administrators had pointed out that some eligible workers turned down the vaccine, slowing the pace of distribution.

Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for the Playbook? Get in touch: smurray@politico.com.

TODAY — Assistant Speaker Katherine Clark and Rep. Lori Trahan visit Minute Man National Historical Park to commemorate the passage of the Great American Outdoors Act. Sen. Ed Markey, Rep. Ayanna Pressley and state Reps. Lindsay Sabadosa and Maria Robinson speak at the Progressive Mass Annual Gala.

A message from the American Heart Association:

The facts on sugary drinks are simple. They pose a real health risk. Kids especially are drinking too many of them. All those sweet drinks contribute to major health problems, like diabetes and heart disease. And with Massachusetts already spending nearly $2 billion per year treating obesity-related diseases, we need to address the problem. Massachusetts should take a page from a growing number of places across the country and adopt a tax on sugary drinks. Learn more here.

TRACK THE FIRST 100 DAYS OF THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION: A new president occupies the White House and he is already making changes. What are some of the key moments from Biden's first week in office? Find out in Transition Playbook, our scoop-filled newsletter tracking the appointments, people, and emerging power centers of the first 100 days of the new administration. Subscribe today.

THE LATEST NUMBERS

– "Massachusetts reports 3,750 new COVID cases, 67 more deaths on Sunday as state prepares to ease restrictions," by Benjamin Kail, MassLive.com: "Massachusetts public health officials reported another 3,750 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 67 new coronavirus-linked deaths on Sunday, a day before officials lift a curfew on table service at restaurants and other businesses."

DATELINE BEACON HILL

– "Baker will propose implementing first year of new school funding formula," by Shira Schoenberg, CommonWealth Magazine: "Gov. Charlie Baker will propose fully funding the first year of the recently updated school funding formula when he releases his fiscal 2022 budget proposal next week – a commitment that was delayed by a year due to COVID-19."

– "As lawmakers plan to send a new climate bill to the governor, state officials and lawmakers wrangle over the true costs," by David Abel, Boston Globe: "When Governor Charlie Baker this month vetoed a landmark bill to address climate change, he told lawmakers that his controversial decision was motivated in part by the legislation's requirement that the state reduce emissions by 50 percent below 1990 levels by the end of the decade."

– "Karen Spilka outlines legislative priorities for 'new normal' as pandemic persists," by Erin Tiernan, Boston Herald: "Expanded access to coronavirus vaccines tops the agenda for the new legislative session, but Senate President Karen Spilka is laying out an expansive list of priorities for forging a 'new normal' as the world and Massachusetts emerge from the pandemic."

– "DeLeo lands post at Northeastern," by Michael Jonas, CommonWealth Magazine: "Don't call him 'Mr. Speaker.' He's now a 'University Fellow for Public Life.' Longtime Massachusetts House speaker Robert DeLeo, who resigned last month and said he was in talks with Northeastern University about a job, has been named to a new post with that rarefied title at the school."

VAX-ACHUSETTS

– "Massachusetts lagging behind most other states in COVID-19 vaccination rollout," by Robert Weisman and Kay Lazar, Boston Globe: "Six weeks after the first COVID-19 vaccines were authorized for emergency use, Massachusetts — celebrated as a national health care leader — ranks in the bottom half of US states in getting injections into the arms of its residents. Massachusetts trails every other New England state, as well as New York, in the number of vaccine doses administered per capita, according to federal figures."

– "In Suffolk County, Black and Latino residents face stark disparities in vaccine access," by Deanna Pan and John Hancock, Boston Globe: "If you are Black or Latino and living in Suffolk County, you are more likely to have to travel farther than white residents for a coveted dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, a Globe analysis has found. In Suffolk County, which includes Boston as well as Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop, Black and Latino residents face stark disparities in vaccine access."

– "Baker resists calls from lawmakers, undertakers to lift funeral workers to top of vaccination list," by Brad Petrishen, Telegram & Gazette: "Gov. Charlie Baker is resisting calls from undertakers and dozens of lawmakers, including many in Central Massachusetts, to follow the lead of 33 other states and bump funeral directors to the first phase of COVID-19 vaccinations."

– "State asks vaccine recipients to attest to eligibility; officials stress part-time residents are included," by Francesca Paris, The Berkshire Eagle: "From the start of the rollout, state and local officials have said that all people who live, work and study in Massachusetts will be eligible. But second-home owners and recent Berkshire transplants had raised questions about whether they might need to show proof of residency."

– "'I Said Yeah, I Want To Get That Shot': Pine Street Inn Shelter Residents Start Vaccinations, While Many Still Hesitant," by Lynn Jolicoeur, WBUR: "Jeffrey Davis has spent the pandemic as a shelter guest at Boston's Pine Street Inn. By his estimate, he's been tested for the coronavirus a few dozen times. Each time, he says, he's come up negative. Still, he's scared he'll get sick with COVID-19. And now, he's building a new defense against it."

– "A Different Kind Of Race: Boston Marathon Director Helps Organize Mass Vaccination Sites," by Mary Blake, GBH News: Long-time Boston Marathon Race Director Dave McGillivray is running logistics for a different type of race these days. The 66-year-old marathoner is now running against the clock in the fight to end the coronavirus pandemic."

– "Superintendents, unions: Vaccinate teachers now," by Erin Nolan, The Salem News: "All 29 superintendents who make up the North Shore Superintendents' Round Table, along with the teachers' union presidents from each district, urge Gov. Charlie Baker to move teachers up to the first phase of the state's COVID-19 vaccination plan."

FROM THE HUB

– "'We're projecting a downward trend'; How Massachusetts' largest hospital is handling the second surge," by Tanner Stening, MassLive.com: "After adding more surge capacity for the third time last week, doctors and mathematicians at Massachusetts General Hospital say they're beginning to ebb out of the second COVID surge, and expect to see a decrease in hospital admissions over the next few weeks."

– "For brick and mortar retailers in the Boston area, it's boom or bust, depending on where you look," by Janelle Nanos, Boston Globe: "Legions of Boston's office workers left town when the pandemic broke out. When they return, they'll find its streetscapes profoundly transformed. Wander the city's corridors of commerce and you'll witness darkened storefronts and shuttered restaurants ."

– "Encore casino to open 24-7 again," by Sean Philip Cotter, Boston Herald: "Late-night gamblers delight: the Encore Boston Harbor casino will return to 24-hour service Wednesday. The large resort that looms over the banks of the Mystic River in Everett spelled out 'SOON' in lights on the side facing the highway."

– "Biden plan to reopen schools 'promising,' but Massachusetts advocates worry timeline is 'very unlikely'" by Lisa Kashinsky and Sean Philip Cotter, Boston Herald: "President Biden's push to increase coronavirus testing and personal protective equipment in schools is bringing new hope to pandemic-weary Massachusetts educators, but some teachers and advocates say his pledge to reopen the majority of K-8 schools in less than 100 days is 'very unlikely' to succeed."

– "Colonialism, Patriarchy And Family Drama: Boston Archeologists Dig Up The Story Beneath Ronan Park Sinkhole," by Adrian Ma, WBUR: "Boston archeologists have unearthed a trove of historical details about a sinkhole that opened up in near a pathway in Dorchester's Ronan Park in early December. At the time, a cursory investigation (involving an iPhone and flashlights taped to a paint roller) revealed the existence of a well, likely built sometime in the 1800s."

THE RACE FOR CITY HALL

– "Legal squabble over conflicts of interest shakes up Boston mayoral race," by Sean Philip Cotter, Boston Herald: "Boston mayoral hopefuls on the City Council are scrambling to figure out what to do after a council attorney wrote up a legal opinion saying that conflicts of interest prevent them from voting on whether to override a special election — but the acting-mayor-in-waiting is endorsing a different councilor's evidence to the contrary."

– "Home Rule Petition hearing on special election override set for Tuesday," by Katie Trojano, Dorchester Reporter: "The Boston City Council will discuss a Home Rule Petition during a hearing next Tuesday at 3 p.m. that, if approved, could set aside a special election that would be triggered if Mayor Martin Walsh vacates his seat before March 5."

– "Will Boston's next mayor take the T to City Hall?" by Adam Vaccaro, Boston Globe: "The road to Boston's highest office might run north through the heart of the city, along some of its most popular bus lines. City Council President Kim Janey, who will become acting mayor if Martin J. Walsh is confirmed as US secretary of labor, has helped define her political persona as one of the thousands of bus riders who head through Nubian Square each day."

PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES

– "MBTA pays out millions in overtime during pandemic year," by Erin Tiernan, Boston Herald: "Riders may have disappeared amid the pandemic, but MBTA employees are riding a runaway train on overtime that doled out $82 million last year — on par with prepandemic spending — that shows no signs of slowing down with dozens of employees on track to pad their salaries with six-figure payouts again in 2021."

– "T general manager receives $20,800 bonus," by Colman M. Herman, CommonWealth Magazine: "MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak, who receives a base salary of $324,800 a year, recently received a bonus of $20,800 for 2019. Based on pre-established performance goals, Poftak was eligible for a bonus equal to 10 percent of his salary in 2019, the first year of his three-year contract. Instead, he received a 6.4 percent bonus, which was granted in November 2020."

– "MBTA Reduces Commuter Rail And Ferry Services," by Derek J. Anderson and Paul Connearney, WBUR: "The change removes weekend service from seven Commuter Rail lines and the Charlestown ferry service has been suspended indefinitely, according to a statement from the MBTA. Direct ferry service from Hingham to Rowe's Wharf has also been ceased. The changes went into effect as of Saturday, January 23."

BIDEN TIME

– "Mass. exodus: A flurry of figures with Boston ties are heading to Washington. Here's a look at who's been tapped," by Brittany Bowker, Boston Globe: "It seems every day comes with news of another figure with ties to Massachusetts being tapped by the nation's highest offices. In what can only be described as a Mass. exodus, here's a look at some of the Bay Staters who are heading to Washington to work under the Biden-Harris administration."

THE OPINION PAGES

– "Keep the Trains and Buses Running," The New York Times Editorial Board: "The coronavirus pandemic is jeopardizing the long-term health of the public transit systems that provide a crucial circulatory system for major American cities — particularly for lower-income residents who depend on trains and buses to get to work, the market or the doctor."

– "Review of Rollins incident should be thorough — and quick," The Boston Globe Editorial Board: "Attorney General Maura Healey was right to launch a review of a complaint about an alleged Christmas Eve road rage incident involving Suffolk District Attorney Rachael Rollins, who is reportedly under consideration for the job of United States attorney for the district of Massachusetts. Now, in the interest of fairness to Rollins — and the integrity of the search for the next US attorney — that review should be thorough and quick."

DAY IN COURT

– "How working from home due to COVID could be a double tax hit for some," by Ivan Pereira, ABC News: "One of the major upheavals brought on by the novel coronavirus is the way millions of Americans work. For many workers, their offices are now located anywhere with an internet connection, even if that means being in a different state. That accessibility, however, may come with a price for some at tax time."

WARREN REPORT

– "Sen. Warren: Pandemic has really set women back," CNN: "Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) explains how the coronavirus pandemic has negatively affected women and their career paths and how the government can help offset these effects."

FROM THE DELEGATION

– "Ayanna Pressley urges Biden to commute sentences of all federal death row prisoners," by Lisa Kashinsky and Sean Philip Cotter, Boston Herald: "U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley is calling for President Biden to commute the sentences of all federal prisoners on death row — a push that could ultimately affect Boston marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev."

– "Bill Keating denies involvement after National Guard members forced into parking garage," by Lisa Kashinsky, Boston Herald: "U.S. Rep. Bill Keating has been caught up in the fury sweeping through Washington after National Guard soldiers called in to protect the U.S. Capitol were banished to a cold parking garage — but the congressman is vehemently denying he had anything to do with their plight."

MARIJUANA IN MASSACHUSETTS

– "Marijuana companies withdraw from trade association over delivery lawsuit," by Shira Schoenberg, CommonWealth Magazine: "Several large cannabis companies have withdrawn their membership from the Commonwealth Dispensary Association due to a lawsuit the trade association filed opposing the state's new marijuana delivery regulations. The companies say the delivery regulations will help achieve greater racial equity in the marijuana industry, and they are unhappy that the association is seeking to overturn them."

ABOVE THE FOLD

— Herald: "STILL SUPER," "RUNAWAY TRAIN," — Globe: "Concern rises on lack of vaccine," "A senseless death leaves a well of pain."

FROM THE 413

– "Hampden County legislators call on state to increase vaccination sites as more people are added to eligibility lists," by Dave Canton, Springfield Republican: "A group of 12 Hampden County state legislators is afraid there will not be enough vaccination sites in Hampden County to meet the needs of the state's bulked-up Phase Two vaccine program which starts next month."

– "Big E President Eugene Cassidy, now head of global fair association, describes industry devastated by COVID," by Jim Kinney, Springfield Republican: "At a time when The Big E normally gears up for late-winter trade and consumer shows — campers, hunting and fishing, and home improvement — the biggest event coming to the Eastern States Exposition grounds could be a COVID-19 mass vaccination site."

THE LOCAL ANGLE

– "Solomon's career marked by years of controversy," by Bill Kirk, Eagle-Tribune: "As police Chief Joseph Solomon prepares to retire later this month, he leaves behind a lengthy trail of legal actions. Over his 35 years with the department, particularly since 2007, Solomon has spent significant time in court defending himself and suing the city, e ven while holding the top law enforcement job in Methuen for 18 years."

– "After testing positive, Worcester City Manager Ed Augustus Jr. found the battle was just beginning," by Michael Bonner, MassLive.com: "It began with an unsettled night of sleep. A tired Monday morning - as it is for most people - didn't raise any red flags for Edward Augustus Jr. So he went into city hall for a full day of work on Dec. 7. The Worcester city manager slept better the next night but woke up on Tuesday with a runny nose and sinus congestion. Adhering to the city's guidance, Augustus remained home."

– "Taunton City Council can't agree on resolution condemning Capitol riot," by Susannah Sudborough, The Taunton Daily Gazette: "A Taunton City Council resolution condemning the Jan. 6 Capitol riot was sent to the council-as-a-whole subcommittee Tuesday evening after it became clear it did not have enough support to be approved. Councilors in opposition of passing the resolution that night said they were not consulted about the resolution beforehand and questioned whether it was an appropriate measure."

– "In Attleboro area, reaction muted to Baker's easing of business restrictions," by George W. Rhodes, Sun Chronicle: "Gov. Charlie Baker has eased closing time restrictions on businesses and the suggested curfew for night owls, but the reaction locally was muted. No one was jumping for joy, although the change was welcomed."

CONGRATS! Benchmark Strategies' Nicole Herendeen has been selected as one of the 40 under 40 leaders in the United States by the Irish Echo Newspaper.

TRANSITIONS – Annie Noel is the new director of communications for Boston City Councilor Julia Mejia.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY – to Ted Chambers.

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A message from the American Heart Association:

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