News: POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: Reading BAKER’S tea leaves — AVERTING ‘EGG-MAGEDDON’

Friday, June 25, 2021

POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: Reading BAKER’S tea leaves — AVERTING ‘EGG-MAGEDDON’ — Guv’s SALES TAX PITCH looks DOA

Jun 25, 2021

LOOKING INTO BAKER'S CRYSTAL BALL — One thing's clear: Gov. Charlie Baker's not looking to take his battle-tested brand of New England Republicanism national.

"The shiny ball of national star, I have, like, zero interest in that," Baker said yesterday on GBH's Boston Public Radio. "People ask me when Senate seats come up or something like that, any interest in running for federal office? No!"

But beyond that, the GOP governor's political future remains a mystery. He's still not dropping hints about what he'll do in 2022, telling GBH the same old refrain about talking it over with his wife and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito.

Scouring his press events for clues is an exercise in futility. When Quincy Mayor Thomas Koch told Baker "I hope you're going to be around for a while" during a ribbon cutting yesterday, the governor glanced toward Polito. Yet minutes later, when asked to respond to Democratic gubernatorial candidates' calls for "transformative change," Baker went on the defensive, rattling off accomplishments from "driving" the offshore wind development process to tackling the opioid crisis.

If nothing else, Baker seems to be having fun again. With the pandemic on the run, the governor is gallivanting across the state, doling out small business grants and cracking jokes about how he misses sharing "stale cookies" and "bad coffee" with Democratic legislative leaders even as he spars with them over his two-month sales-tax holiday proposal and how to best spend billions in federal aid. When Democratic state Rep. Carlos González called Baker "the greatest Republican governor in this state, in this country" during a particularly boisterous event at a new Springfield brewery last week, the governor's grin was so big you could see it even through the grainy video feed.

Whether it's a goodbye tour or a reelection ramp-up remains to be seen. But the wheels are definitely in motion again after Baker pumped the brakes on politicking through the worst of the pandemic.

The governor traveled to Nashville late last month for the Republican Governors Association's spring conference — a rare Covid-era trip beyond state lines. Baker and Polito also attended a fundraiser at the UMass Club Wednesday evening, as first reported by CommonWealth Magazine . It's not the first fundraiser Baker's had this month, either, political adviser Jim Conroy told me. The invitation for the event seemed to indicate attendees should donate to Polito's campaign committee first — raising some eyebrows, particularly since she's out-raised Baker for months now. But that's likely a strategic move. If they both run for reelection, the pair can draw from each other's campaign accounts. If Baker bows out and Polito steps up to run for governor, she loses access to his coffers.

GOOD MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. TGIF!

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TODAY — State Auditor Suzanne Bump visits the Old Colony YMCA to talk federal relief spending at 9 a.m. Boston mayoral candidate John Barros visits Humphreys Street Studios at 10 a.m. and participates in a West Roxbury neighborhood walk at 2 p.m. starting at Los Amigos Taqueria. State Sen. Eric Lesser presents the "Thrive After 55 Health and Wellness Fair" featuring a "Savvy Seniors" segment from state Attorney General Maura Healey at 11 a.m. on WWLP's Mass Appeal. State Senate President Karen Spilka is a guest on GBH at 11:30 a.m. State Sen. Julian Cyr talks labor and housing issues on the Cape and Islands at 5:35 p.m. on Bloomberg Baystate Business.

THIS WEEKEND — Rep. Jake Auchincloss tours transit routes in the Brookline area beginning at 8:45 a.m., visits the Coolidge Corner Theater at 10 a.m., holds community office hours at Tatte Bakery & Cafe in Coolidge Corner from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., talks infrastructure on WBSM Radio at 1:20 p.m. and joins the Hopkinton Pride Parade at 2 p.m.

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THE LATEST NUMBERS

– "Zero Massachusetts communities are at high, moderate risk for coronavirus," by Rick Sobey, Boston Herald: "No Massachusetts communities are at high risk or moderate risk for coronavirus transmission, the fourth straight week the Bay State has reported no 'red zone' cities or towns and the third straight week of no yellow communities. … After the state on Thursday reported four new virus deaths and 78 new cases, the seven-day average of three daily deaths and 52 daily infections are the lowest rates of the entire pandemic."

DATELINE BEACON HILL

– "Lawmakers Ditch Baker's $2.8 Billion Plan to Infuse Economy," by Katie Lannan, State House News Service (paywall): "A plan to sweep about $5 billion in federal relief money into a fund controlled by the Legislature is back on Gov. Charlie Baker's desk Thursday, returned to him by lawmakers who rebuffed his suggestion to spend more than half of the money now and let them determine how to use the rest later. … Lawmakers passed an amended bill that leaves the Baker administration with $200 million to spend."

– "Charlie Baker's 2-month sales tax holiday appears dead on arrival in Democrat-led Massachusetts Legislature despite business support," by Erin Tiernan, Boston Herald: "Gov. Charlie Baker's plan to slash sales taxes statewide for two months appears dead-on-arrival in the state's Democrat-led Legislature, where lawmakers dismissed the measure as a 'gimmick.' But the Republican governor signaled he isn't giving up without a fight, taking the chance to swing back at critical lawmakers not once, but twice on Thursday in person and on GBH radio." More reaction from Boston.com's Nik DeCosta-Klipa.

– "Baker seems eager to start spending," by Bruce Mohl, CommonWealth Magazine: "Early last week he proposed putting up $10 million in federal relief funding as prize money for a lottery game that would be free to play for anyone who is fully vaccinated. Later in the week he called on the Legislature to let him quickly spend more than half of the $5 billion the federal government has passed along to Massachusetts. And on Wednesday he raised the stakes in regard to the state's annual sales tax holiday."

– "Gov. Baker Defends Handling Of Holyoke Soldiers' Home Tragedy, Counters Criticism," by Zoe Mathews, GBH News/Boston Public Radio: "Gov. Charlie Baker defended his handling of the Holyoke Soldiers' Home tragedy on Boston Public Radio Thursday, rejecting criticism from hosts Margery Eagan and Jim Braude that he shirked personal responsibility in the response to the COVID-19 outbreak that killed more than 70 veterans living at the home."

– "Majority Leader Claire Cronin's Exit To Be Irish Ambassador Raises House Diversity Issues," by Mike Deehan, GBH News: "President Joe Biden's decision to send Massachusetts House Majority Leader Claire Cronin to Dublin as the new U.S. ambassador to Ireland reflects well on the State House, but replacing Cronin presents a challenge for the new Speaker Ron Mariano who entered office promising a leadership team as diverse as the chamber. … If Mariano sticks to his current roster of House lieutenants, the top leadership posts — none of which are currently held by Black lawmakers — could become a bit less diverse after Cronin's departure."

– "Forecasting Egg Crisis, Senate Approves Changes to Voter Law," by Katie Lannan, State House News Service (paywall): "State senators on Thursday approved a bill tweaking a 2016 ballot law around animal welfare standards, in hopes of staving off what one supporter described as a coming 'egg-mageddon.' 'Put simply, this bill is about happy chickens and happy consumers,' Sen. Jason Lewis said as he introduced the bill. Lewis, a Winchester Democrat, said that standards and practices affecting egg-laying hens have evolved in the five years since Massachusetts voters approved new animal welfare rules for the farms that produce eggs, pork and veal."

– "U.S., Massachusetts Jobless Claims Continue To Tick Down As Economy Heals," by WBUR/AP: "Just under 8,800 Massachusetts residents applied for first-time unemployment benefits last week, according to the latest data from the U.S. Department of Labor. That's roughly 200 fewer claims than the week prior."

– "Massachusetts Senate approves change to provide line-of-duty death benefits for Worcester Police Officer Manny Familia's family," by Steph Solis, MassLive.com: "Massachusetts senators on Thursday took a step toward removing a loophole that prevented line-of-duty benefits to go to the family of Worcester Police Officer Manny Familia, who died earlier this month trying to save a drowning boy. … Now the proposal goes to the House."

– "State tops in child well-being," by Christian Wade, CNHI/Newburyport Daily News: "Massachusetts tops the nation for child well-being, according to a new report, but advocates say racial and economic disparities exacerbated by the pandemic are still leaving some kids behind. The state retained its No. 1 spot for overall well-being of children, according to the 2021 Kids Count Data Book survey released Monday by the Annie E. Casey Foundation."

VAX-ACHUSETTS

– "State's largest health care providers to require all employees get COVID-19 vaccines," by Priyanka Dayal McCluskey, Boston Globe: "Leaders of Mass General Brigham, Beth Israel Lahey Health, Wellforce, and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute said requiring vaccination for employees is critical for protecting vulnerable patients, especially those who are immunocompromised."

– "'We're behind'; As COVID vaccinations slow in Massachusetts, experts warn what could happen," by Tanner Stening, MassLive.com: "The pace of COVID vaccinations in Massachusetts has slowed considerably over the last couple weeks, raising concerns about the possibility that cases could begin to climb as more infectious variants circulate more widely, experts say. Since about June 15, partial vaccinations have stood at roughly 62%, and before ticking up to 59% on Wednesday, the percentage of fully vaccinated residents had been flat at 58% since June 17."

FROM THE HUB

– "Boston schools budget in even more trouble than beleaguered city operating budget, councilors say," by Sean Philip Cotter, Boston Herald: "The City Council may have spent its meeting this week hammering away at Acting Mayor Kim Janey's proposed city operating budget, but it appears the Boston Public Schools budget is even more likely to fail. … Several sources said multiple councilors want clarity on what's next for the exam schools before they move to pass the budget."

– "Disengaged workers at Boston Public Schools are 'busy acting out their unhappiness' and undermining colleagues, survey finds," by James Vaznis, Boston Globe: "Boston Public Schools Superintendent Brenda Cassellius, fresh off a glowing evaluation from the School Committee, is facing a wave of low morale among school leaders and central office workers, including many who 'are busy acting out their unhappiness,' according to an internal Gallup poll obtained by the Globe."

– "Boston officials slam Commissioner Jeff Riley for threatening to freeze funds to schools," by Alexi Cohan, Boston Herald: "City councilors and mayoral candidates along with the teachers union are slamming state Education Commissioner Jeff Riley for threatening to freeze federal funding to schools due to recent turmoil on the School Committee."

THE RACE FOR CITY HALL

– FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: State Rep. Ed Coppinger, a West Roxbury Democrat, has endorsed Mary Tamer for Boston City Council District 6. Tamer is a former Boston School Committee member and past president of the League of Women Voters of Boston. "Mary Tamer is the sort of leader I would be proud to call my City Councilor. She is dedicated to her community, is effective and responsive, and knows how to bring people together," Coppinger said in a statement through Tamer's campaign.

– FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: The North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters has endorsed David Halbert in his campaign for Boston City Council at-large. "As City Councilor, I will be an active and vocal partner with the Carpenters and all those who together comprise our talented building trades workforce to demand fair pay, ensure fair contracting, and enforce safe workplaces at all job sites," Halbert said through his campaign.

– "Jon Santiago wants City Hall to back mortgages for some first-time homebuyers," by Nik DeCosta-Klipa, Boston.com: "The City of Boston has a pretty good credit rating — AAA for seven straight years. Now, Boston mayoral candidate and state Rep. Jon Santiago wants to leverage that credit — and the city's resources — to help residents buy their first home. As part of a sweeping housing plan released Thursday, the South End Democrat pledged to create an apparently first-in-the-nation program in which City Hall would act as a mortgage guarantor for low-income, first-time homebuyers."

WARREN REPORT

– "Warren slows confirmation of Biden higher ed pick, as battle over student aid escalates," by Jess Bidgood and Jim Puzzanghera, Boston Globe: "The maneuver suggests an increased willingness to prod the president more aggressively from the left, which [Sen. Elizabeth Warren] did with particular energy in her first term during the Obama administration. Her current objection, however, comes at a time when Biden can ill afford further dissent in the Democratic ranks while facing near uniform Republican opposition on many of his major initiatives."

MOULTON MATTERS

– "President Biden Pledges To Evacuate Afghans Who Aided U.S. Military. Rep. Moulton Wants To See More," by Aaron Schachter, GBH News: "The Biden administration announced today that it intends to relocate thousands of Afghan nationals who have worked alongside the U.S. in the past two decades of the war in Afghanistan. Members of the military, diplomats and journalists have been lobbying for years to get translators and other support staff from Afghanistan to be allowed into the United States. One of those who's been working hard on the campaign is Massachusetts Representative Seth Moulton, himself a Marine veteran who served four tours of duty in Iraq."

FROM THE 413

– "Holyoke Soldiers' Home Coalition urges lawmakers to shift control of facility to mitigate future health crises," by Stephanie Barry, Springfield Republican: "Leaders of the Holyoke Soldiers' Home Coalition have been recently meeting with Western Massachusetts legislators and their staff to promote moving the Holyoke home, as well as its counterpart in Chelsea, from the Department of Veterans' Services to the Department of Public Health."

– "Judge denies bid by diocese to dismiss Bishop Weldon sexual abuse lawsuit," by Larry Parnass, Berkshire Eagle: "While the First Amendment protects 'the free exercise' of religion, that does not shield the Springfield Diocese from claims that it tried to conceal sexual abuse by a late bishop, a Hampden Superior Court judge ruled this month."

THE LOCAL ANGLE

– "Women make up just 20 percent of local city councils and select boards. How do we change that?" by Francesca Paris, Berkshire Eagle: "Women make up just 20 percent of mayors, select board members and city councilors across Berkshire County, about the same rate as in 2019. Though they fill critical functions on planning boards, parent teacher associations and town commissions, and often serve as town clerks, moderators, administrators and more, women remain underrepresented at the highest levels of local government, and in state and federal representation for the county."

– "Hopkinton faces its own reckoning on race and identity following Mikayla Miller's death," by Zane Razzaq and Hadley Barndollar, MetroWest Daily News/USA Today Network: "...Hopkinton internally is experiencing its own 'moment' on race and identity — a reckoning of sorts occurring both behind closed doors and more publicly since [Mikayla Miller's] death. … The ensuing, wider discussion about racism and discrimination has drawn back a curtain on a culture that could have contributed to Miller's death, some community members contend, though many questions remain. Town and school officials say they are invested in diversity, equity and inclusion efforts."

– "Quincy councilors speak out against bill that would have state legislators draw ward lines," by Mary Whitfill, Patriot Ledger: "City councilors say the power to draw lines between voting districts and make decisions about polling places should stay with local authorities and spoke out against a controversial redistricting timeline shuffle approved by the state House of Representatives. … members of the Quincy City Council spoke out against the bill and said it took power away from local officials who are much more equipped to make decisions in their own communities."

– "Foul language sets off fray on Attleboro City Council," by George W. Rhodes, The Sun Chronicle: "City Councilor Peter Blais found himself in a lot of hot water Wednesday. The dean of the council by dint of his 22 years on the panel directed a derisive comment containing the 'F' word at a fellow councilor during a meeting Tuesday night on live television."

THE NATIONAL TAKE

– "U.S. attorney finalist trashes Labor secretary," by Glen Johnson, Axios: "Rachael Rollins' approach is perpetuating scrutiny of a troubled Cabinet secretary and fellow Democrat — and hints at the independence she may exhibit if tapped for top federal prosecutor for Massachusetts. It's also testing the Biden communications shop's tight-ship, no-drama approach, and would provide fuel for Republican questioning in a prospective Senate confirmation hearing."

WATCH – GBH News' Adam Reilly, UMass Boston associate political science professor Erin O'Brien and I break down the current state of the 2022 gubernatorial race on Greater Boston.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY – to Eddie Rupia, Avital Mintz-Morgenthau, Jeremy Bearer-Friend, and Annie Schreiber of Kilpatrick Strategists Co.

HAPPY BIRTHWEEKEND – to Capitol Diner owner and former Lynn state Rep. Robert Fennell, Southwick state Rep. Nicholas Boldyga, Gloucester state Rep. Ann-Margaret Ferrante, and Mattapoisett state Rep. William Strauss, former MassGOP spokesperson Emmalee Kalmbach, Democratic strategist Adam Webster of Castle Point Partners, and Adam Zieminski of Cafe Adam in Great Barrington, who celebrate Saturday; and to state Sen. Joe Boncore, Lexington state Sen. Michael Barrett, Plymouth state Rep. Mathew Muratore and Paul Tencher, a Sen. Ed Markey alum, who celebrate Sunday.

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