News : POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: NARAL SHAKEUP — House tees up SPORTS BETTING

Thursday, July 22, 2021

POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: NARAL SHAKEUP — House tees up SPORTS BETTING — Cape COVID CLUSTER grows

Jul 22, 2021

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NARAL SHAKEUP — With states passing laws restricting access to abortions and a potential Supreme Court battle looming, NARAL Pro-Choice America is revamping its organizing model over the next couple years — and ditching its 11 independent state affiliates in favor of chapters that would be part of the national organization.

It's a development that's left the nation's oldest abortion rights group in upheaval. NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts Executive Director Rebecca Hart Holder was quick to assure supporters that the influential and highly active Bay State affiliate, which has successfully pushed to expand abortion rights here including through the ROE Act , won't be going anywhere. If anything, NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts might actually expand its purview.

"Our mission and our ability to do that work will not change," she wrote in an email last week. "The fact is our organization already operated largely separate from our national organization. So while this may eventually impact our name, it won't impact our work. In fact, it may give us an opportunity to enhance it and expand it."

NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts is actively exploring its options, including the possibility of branching off from the national organization entirely and forming its own abortion-rights advocacy group — one that would potentially be active across New England, according to a person familiar with the group's internal conversations.

And that could mean wading into New Hampshire, where GOP Gov. Chris Sununu signed a budget bill last month prohibiting abortions after 24 weeks of pregnancy and requiring all women receive ultrasounds before having the procedure. Democrats and pro-choice advocacy groups slammed the move — and vowed to hold Sununu accountable for it as top Republicans lobby the popular governor to run against Democratic Sen. Maggie Hassan next year in an election that could tip the balance of power in the Senate.

GOOD MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. Rep. Jim McGovern's "Sicko Mode" ringtone wasn't the only thing capturing attention yesterday.

McGovern backed up House Speaker Nancy Pelosi after she rejected two Republican picks to serve on the select committee investigating the Jan. 6 Capitol attack who both voted against certifying the 2020 election for President Joe Biden.

He then issued a ringing rebuke of House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy for yanking all five Republicans from the panel and threatening to forge ahead with his own investigation if Pelosi doesn't reverse course.

"This has to be a serious commission and it cannot be packed with people who embrace the 'big lie' people who are themselves liars," McGovern, who came face-to-face with rioters on the House floor that fateful day, told me.

McCarthy "sabotaged a bipartisan deal, he walked away from it and he did so because he was trying to please a disgraced former president," McGovern continued. "Kevin McCarthy's not interested in the truth. He's interested in the coverup. And to the speaker's credit, she's having none of it. Good for her, I support her."

TODAY — is the last day to register for the first "VaxMillions" giveaway. Gov. Charlie Baker, Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito and other administration officials make a MassTrails Grants Announcement at 10:45 a.m. in Sandwich, participate in a Cape housing roundtable at 1:45 p.m. in Falmouth and make a local business stop. Boston Acting Mayor Kim Janey announces new appointments to the Boston School Committee at 2:30 p.m. at City Hall, makes remarks at the Chester Square Neighbors Summer Festival at 5:30 p.m., and attends the West Roxbury Neighborhood Concert: Northeast Groove at 7:30 p.m. State Sen. Adam Hinds hosts a discussion with equal pay advocate Megan Driscoll at 1 p.m. on his Facebook page. Activists head to Sen. Ed Markey's Boston office at 2 p.m. to urge him to cut military spending and cooperate with China.

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

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THE LATEST NUMBERS

– "Massachusetts coronavirus cases spike 457 as infections keep climbing," by Rick Sobey, Boston Herald: "The state reported a spike of 457 coronavirus cases Wednesday, as infections keep climbing amid the more contagious delta variant. The 457 COVID-19 case count is the first single-day tally that exceeded 400 since May 22."

DATELINE BEACON HILL

– "Legislation on the move: Sports betting, T governance, vote-by-mail," by Shira Schoenberg, CommonWealth Magazine: "The Massachusetts House teed up a bill authorizing sports betting for debate on Thursday, marking the second time the House will weigh in on the policy. … A supplemental budget bill that the House adopted Monday and the Senate accepted Wednesday will, if signed by Baker, create a new MBTA board of directors. … The budget bill would also extend voting by mail for municipal elections through December 15."

– More: "Massachusetts House encounters diversity, equity questions as it debates sports betting bill," by Steph Solis, MassLive.com: "[State Rep. Orlando Ramos] filed two amendments Wednesday that would add diversity, equity and inclusion requirements to the sports betting bill. Rep. Chynah Tyler, a Boston Democrat who heads the Black and Latino Legislative Caucus, backed the proposals."

– And more: "Red Sox, other pro sports teams back sports betting in or nearby stadiums," by Erin Tiernan, Boston Herald: "...the state's pro sports franchises said they are looking for a piece of the action. Two of 28 amendments filed alongside the bill ahead of Thursday's scheduled debate propose allowing gambling inside or nearby stadiums and would allow teams to apply for the licenses."

– "Sen. Adam Gomez calls for assurance DYS staff, juveniles are safe after death of employee James Hillman," by Jeanette DeForge, Springfield Republican: "A state senator who heads the Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities offered his sympathies to the family and coworkers of the 60-year-old Department of Youth Services worker who was attacked by a 16-year-old in custody and later died. Sen. Adam Gomez, D-Springfield, said on Wednesday that he had the 'utmost confidence' in the state police Detective Unit assigned to Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni's office, and the office's Murder and Juvenile Units, which are investigating the death of James Hillman."

– "Councilor Demands Answers on Former Judge's Hiring," by Matt Murphy, State House News Service (paywall): "A member of the Governor's Council asked Gov. Charlie Baker on Wednesday to fire a former judge Industrial Accident Board judge who landed a job at the Executive Office of Health and Human Services after her reappointment as a judge was withdrawn last year. Councilor Marilyn Devaney delivered a letter to Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito asking that Sabina Herlihy be removed from her position in the Baker administration."

– "State representative makes new push to end happy hour ban in Massachusetts," by Peter Eliopoulos, WCVB: "There is a push on Beacon Hill to bring back 'happy hour' in Massachusetts, as the state's restaurants and bars have been banned from offering deals on after-work drinks for decades. State Rep. Mike Connolly added a provision to a larger piece of legislation that includes long-term support for restaurants following the COVID-19 pandemic."

VAX-ACHUSETTS

– "Provincetown COVID-19 cluster grows to 256 confirmed cases, town manager says," by Amanda Kaufman, Boston Globe: "A COVID-19 cluster in Provincetown that prompted officials there to issue an indoor mask-wearing advisory earlier this week has grown to 256 confirmed cases, a town official said. … Of those who tested positive, 190 are Massachusetts residents, 109 of whom live in Barnstable County, Morse said. The rest live outside Massachusetts. Those who were fully vaccinated and tested positive are largely experiencing mild symptoms, officials said."

– From the Cape Cod Times' Cynthia McCormick: "Cape officials suspect Delta variant behind recent COVID-19 outbreaks"

– "As checking vaccine ID cards becomes norm in Provincetown, experts predict other bars soon to follow," by Erin Tiernan, Boston Herald: "Revelers headed for a night out in Provincetown are being asked to carry two forms of ID following a sudden spike in cases — and public health experts say it might not be long before bars and nightclubs outside Cape Cod also start asking patrons to show CDC vaccine verification cards."

– From the Boston Globe's Jeremy C. Fox: "Nantucket advises face masks indoors as COVID-19 cases rise"

FROM THE HUB

– "Kim Janey to release Pat Rose recommendations 'in coming days' as Andrea Campbell criticizes," by Sean Philip Cotter, Boston Herald: "Acting Mayor Kim Janey said she plans to release initial recommendations from the Pat Rose report 'in the coming days' as mayoral opponent Andrea Campbell criticizes the fact that the promised report is not yet out. Rose, a longtime Boston cop who rose to lead the Boston Police Patrolmen's Association union, is now behind bars as charges that he raped multiple children over the course of decades move forward."

– More: "Campbell Slams Janey's Handling Of Rose Case, Renews Call For A Federal Investigation," by Saraya Wintersmith, GBH News: "Boston city councilor and mayoral candidate Andrea Campbell on Wednesday renewed her call for the U.S. Attorney's office to investigate the Boston Police Department's handling of Patrick Rose, Sr., the former officer who remained on the force and became the patrolman's union president despite credible child abuse allegations against him as early as the 1990s."

– "Aiming to preserve certain affordable housing units, Boston council approves home rule petition," by Danny McDonald, Boston Globe: "The Boston City Council on Wednesday passed a home rule petition aimed at preserving and restoring certain affordable housing units and discouraging the conversions of such homes into market-rate condominiums."

THE RACE FOR CITY HALL

– So much for the summer doldrums. Endorsements are flying in the Boston mayor's race. And, first in Playbook, Brookline state Rep. Tommy Vitolo is throwing his support behind City Councilor Michelle Wu.

"Michelle's clear vision and regional collaboration has already made her a leading voice across the Commonwealth on the issues we both champion — a transportation system that works for everyone, housing affordability, and climate justice," Vitolo said in a statement. "Her election as mayor will be transformative for Boston and its neighbors."

Wu and Acting Mayor Kim Janey have been locked in an endorsement battle of sorts over the past week. Janey's campaign last week rolled out endorsements from Suffolk County Register of Probate Felix D. Arroyo and City Councilor Ricardo Arroyo, followed by Jamaica Plain state Rep. Nika Elugardo on Monday and SEIU 32BJ on Tuesday. Wu released endorsements from Andover state Rep. Tram Nguyen on Monday, Boston Ward 5 Democrats and City Councilor Lydia Edwards yesterday and now Vitolo today.

– "As Free Transit Gains Momentum Across U.S., It's A Big Boston Mayoral Race Topic," by Bruce Gellerman: "A growing number of systems across the state and country are experimenting with making public transit free in an effort to improve service, reduce pollution and aid low-income riders. … There's also growing momentum to bring free public transit to Boston. The issue has become a hot topic in the Boston mayoral campaign, where all the major candidates say they support some form of free fares."

– "'Bostonians for Real Progress,' another super PAC, surfaces," by Gintautas Dumcius, Dorchester Reporter: "The group on Wednesday filed paperwork with the independent Office of Campaign and Political Finance (OCPF), calling itself 'Bostonians for Real Progress.' It was not immediately clear which political candidate, if any, the group may support."

– "17 hopefuls make their cases for at-large seats on the City Council," by Katie Trojano, Dorchester Reporter: "After the preliminary election, 8 of the 17 will continue campaigning for the 4 at-large seats on the 13-member body. The general election is set for Nov. 2."

PARTY POLITICS

– Gov. Charlie Baker is back in Massachusetts after a few days in Aspen, where he discussed policy issues facing GOP governors and political strategy for the 2022 election cycle at a meeting of the Republican Governors Association. Still no word, unsurprisingly, if Baker himself is running for reelection next year.

– Speaking of 2022: The state GOP's push to get a voter ID law on the ballot next November moved forward yesterday, when the Committee to Bring Voter ID to Massachusetts filed paperwork with the state Office of Campaign and Political Finance.

MARKEYCHUSETTS

– "No red lines, just green lines: Ed Markey takes key role in Senate climate fight," by Jess Bidgood and Jim Puzzanghera, Boston Globe: "With the climate crisis looming, Ed Markey devised a plan to tackle it with sweeping legislation that would have established new energy standards, cut carbon emissions, and seeded a greener economy. That was 2009, and the bill he pushed through the House as a congressman went on to wither on the vine in the Senate. Markey has since moved up to the Senate, where more than a decade later and with the climate threat graver than ever, the Massachusetts Democrat is seizing his best opportunity yet to get global warming provisions passed, maneuvering them into the infrastructure package slogging its way through a divided Congress."

WARREN REPORT

– "Warren warns Biden administration on PPP fees," by Maeve Sheehey, POLITICO: "Sen. Elizabeth Warren is pressing the Biden administration to explain the extent to which accountants and lawyers who helped businesses receive aid under the Paycheck Protection Program may have been shortchanged for their services."

DATELINE D.C.

– "Biden nominates Victoria Kennedy to be ambassador to Austria," by Jim Puzzanghera and Emma Platoff, Boston Globe: "President Biden on Wednesday nominated Victoria Reggie Kennedy, the widow of the late senator Edward M. Kennedy, to be US ambassador to Austria. Kennedy, 67, is a senior counsel at the international law firm Greenberg Traurig and a longtime friend of Biden. If confirmed by the Senate, she would extend the Kennedy family's diplomatic tradition, which began with its patriarch, Joseph P. Kennedy Sr., who served as ambassador to the United Kingdom."

PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES

– "Seaplanes will finally launch from Boston Harbor in just a few weeks," by Jon Chesto, Boston Globe: "Tailwind Air has won the race to bring commercial seaplane service to Boston Harbor. The Rye Brook, N.Y.-based airline is launching ticket sales this week for flights to New York that begin on Aug. 3."

DAY IN COURT

– "Hil Camara, ex-mayor Jasiel Correia's middleman in marijuana shakedown, sentenced," by Lynne Sullivan, Linda Murphy and Jo C. Goode, Herald News: "Former Bristol County Training Consortium director Hildegar Camara, a co-conspirator of former mayor Jasiel Correia II who admitted to being a middleman who negotiated the shakedown of marijuana vendors looking to do business in Fall River, escaped jail time, instead receiving a sentence of three years of probation with 18 months of home confinement."

IT'S NOT EASY BEING GREEN

– "Feud between energy giants puts state's climate goals at risk," by David Abel, Boston Globe: "A proposal to build a $1 billion transmission line to bring hydropower from Canada to Massachusetts has survived years of thorny negotiations and court challenges to win critical state and federal permits. The 145-mile line, Governor Charlie Baker has said, is critical to curb the state's reliance on fossil fuels and reduce emissions. But none of that matters if Avangrid, a Connecticut-based subsidiary of a massive Spanish energy company, can't connect the line to New England's power grid..."

THE LOCAL ANGLE

– "With federal aid, small towns keep it simple," by Shira Schoenberg, CommonWealth Magazine: "Town administrators are poring over rules and figuring out what exactly they are eligible for. For many of the smallest towns, there is little talk of systemic change. Rather, the money is a vital resource to complete what is often a single project, something that would otherwise strain town and taxpayer budgets."

– "Striking nurses, St. Vincent talks to resume Thursday and Friday," by Cyrus Moulton, Worcester Telegram & Gazette: "Nurses on strike and St. Vincent Hospital leaders are headed back to the table, as a federal mediator has scheduled face-to-face, all-day talks on Thursday and Friday. … The nurses' strike will reach 137 days on Thursday, the longest strike nationally in more than a decade, according to the MNA. "

– 'Even the pandemic was easier:' Dreary weather hits some local businesses where it hurts," by Marty Whitfill, Patriot Ledger: "Humid, wet weather on the South Shore has ruined many a picnic day and summer camp session so far this month, but for local business owners, the less than ideal weather is much more than just a bummer — it's a hit to their bottom line. Dozens of restaurants, ice cream shops, beer gardens, water rental shops and other businesses in local seaside towns like Hull rely on warm, sunny days to bring customers to the water and through their doors. But in a historically rainy July, those customers have been staying home more than usual."

MEDIA MATTERS

– "I just learned I only have months to live. This is what I want to say," by Jack Thomas, Boston Globe: "As a teenager, I often wondered how my life would change if I knew that I would die soon. Morbid, perhaps, but not obsessed. Just curious. How does a person live with the knowledge that the end is coming? … After a week of injections, blood tests, X-rays, and a CAT scan, I have been diagnosed with cancer. It's inoperable. Doctors say it will kill me within a time they measure not in years, but months. As the saying goes, fate has dealt me one from the bottom of the deck, and I am now condemned to confront the question that has plagued me for years: How does a person spend what he knows are his final months of life?"

TRANSITIONS – Timothy J. Spiegel joins Boston law firm Davis Malm's business practice area.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY – to Rosemary Powers.

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