News : Elizabeth Warren is not amused

Tuesday, April 26, 2022

Elizabeth Warren is not amused

Apr 26, 2022

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THERE'S ALWAYS A MASSACHUSETTS CONNECTION — Tesla CEO Elon Musk is buying Twitter, and his No. 1 Bay State subtweeter is decrying the deal as "dangerous for our democracy."

"Billionaires like Elon Musk play by a different set of rules than everyone else, accumulating power for their own gain," Sen Elizabeth Warren tweeted out shortly after the news broke on, well, Twitter. "We need a wealth tax and strong rules to hold Big Tech accountable."

Rep. Katherine Clark tweeted a similar missive hours before the deal became real: "If they can afford to buy Twitter, they can afford to pay their fair share in taxes," the assistant House speaker said, asking her followers to "RT if you're ready for @potus' Billionaire Minimum Income Tax."

Several Democrats used the big announcement to fuel their calls to #TaxTheRich. That makes sense for two reasons: Musk and his tax payments, or lack thereof , have become a punching bag for progressives — and particularly for wealth-tax-purveyor Warren. And Democrats want to push President Joe Biden's billionaire tax through Congress.

But Musk's takeover is also fueling already raging debates over free speech and policing online content. Musk, a "free speech absolutist" who called it the "bedrock of a functioning democracy" in a statement yesterday, has talked of more lenient content moderation on the platform that politicians use a as megaphone. He also wants to take Twitter private, which could make it harder for lawmakers to regulate.

Some Republican legislators cheered Musk's takeover as a win for free speech. But Harvard disinformation researcher Joan Donovan warned that Twitter "will further become a terrain of culture wars." And she said that with "a mandate for 'free speech,' the kind of harassment that content moderation tampers will go into overdrive targeting [LGBTQ] groups, women, BIPOC, and anyone else fighting for civil rights." Some human rights groups are sounding similar alarms.

Keep an eye on how Democrats respond to these concerns, particularly if Musk lets a certain person back on Twitter (FWIW, former President Donald Trump told Fox News he's sticking with his own platform).

And as for Warren? Musk said he hopes even his "worst critics" remain on the platform, "because that is what free speech means."

GOOD TUESDAY MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. At $44 billion, Twitter is apparently worth less than the state's fiscal 2023 budget proposal(s). The House continues its budget debate today.

TODAY — Gov. Charlie Baker and Rep. Richard Neal attend the UMass Aviation Training Center ribbon-cutting ceremony at 8:30 a.m. in Westover and the Westover Air Reserve Base Runway Reopening at 9:30 a.m. Baker attends a UMass Amherst solar projects ribbon-cutting at 1:30 p.m. Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito attends a FutureSkills roadshow in Bridgewater at 3 p.m. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu highlights new investments in homeownership programs in Dorchester at 11:45 a.m. Rep. Jim McGovern visits Worcester Child Development's Head Start preschool program at 9:15 a.m. Warren chairs a hearing on how affordable child care can fight inflation at 2:30 p.m.

Tips? Scoops? Email me: lkashinsky@politico.com.

A message from National Grid:

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ON THE STUMP

— ENDORSEMENT ALERT: Former Rep. Joe Kennedy III is endorsing former Boston City Councilor Andrea Campbell for state attorney general today in Fall River as she continues her Gateway Cities listening tour.

Kennedy lauded Campbell for spending "her career on the frontlines of the most pressing issues" facing Gateway Cities, and he said in a statement that she "leads, advocates, policy-makes and governs from the perspective of someone who knows that injustice is bred in the places that government overlooks and ignores." Kennedy, who some speculated could run for AG himself, now joins former rival Sen. Ed Markey in supporting Campbell's latest bid.

— FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui of Cambridge and Mayor Katjana Ballantyne of Somerville are endorsing NAACP Boston Branch President Tanisha Sullivan for secretary of state, per her campaign. Siddiqui praised Sullivan as a "civil rights champion," and Ballantyne said she'll work "proactively to expand opportunity … for every person in our communities."

— NEW: Salem School Committee Vice Chair Manny Cruz has been endorsed for 7th Essex state representative by state Reps. Frank Moran, Tommy Golden, Paul Donato, Chynah Tyler, Carlos González, Bud Williams, Bill Driscoll, Jerry Parisella, Adrian Madaro, Sean Garballey, Alice Peisch, Dylan Fernandes, Andy Vargas, Jon Santiago, Brian Murray, Natalie Higgins, Jack Patrick Lewis, Jessica Giannino, Russell Holmes, Meg Kilcoyne, Joan Meschino, Jake Oliveira, Ted Philips, Michael Kushmerek, and Alan Silvia; and state Sens. Barry Finegold, Jamie Eldridge, Adam Gomez and Diana DiZoglio, per his campaign.

— CASH DASH: Senate President Karen Spilka and Ways and Means Chair Michael Rodrigues are speaking at a reelection fundraiser for state Sen. Barry Finegold at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at the UMass Club. Suggested contributions are $200 to $1,000, per an invitation obtained by Playbook.

THE LATEST NUMBERS

— "Massachusetts reports 11% increase in COVID cases over the weekend, hospitalizations increase," by Rick Sobey, Boston Herald: "The state Department of Public Health reported a daily average of 1,814 COVID-19 cases over the weekend, which was up 11% from the daily rate of 1,629 infections during the previous weekend."

— "Cases of the flu now 'high' in four Massachusetts regions: Why are they rising at a time they are usually falling?" by Noah R. Bombard, MassLive: "Cases of influenza across Massachusetts have been on the rise for the past two months. According to the weekly flu report from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, the estimated weekly severity of the flu across the state is now at 'moderate' levels. Yet a closer look shows that Central, Northeast, Southeast and West regions have now grown to 'high' severity levels."

DON'T MISS ANYTHING FROM THE 2022 MILKEN INSTITUTE GLOBAL CONFERENCE: POLITICO is excited to partner with the Milken Institute to produce a special edition "Global Insider" newsletter featuring exclusive coverage and insights from the 25th annual Global Conference. This year's event, May 1-4, brings together more than 3,000 of the world's most influential leaders, including 700+ speakers representing more than 80 countries. "Celebrating the Power of Connection" is this year's theme, setting the stage to connect influencers with the resources to change the world with leading experts and thinkers whose insight and creativity can implement that change. Whether you're attending in person or following along from somewhere else in the world, keep up with this year's conference with POLITICO's special edition "Global Insider" so you don't miss a beat. Subscribe today.

DATELINE BEACON HILL

— "House Democrats reject tax cuts, gas tax holiday," by Christian M. Wade, Eagle-Tribune: "House Democrats kicked off debate on a $49.6 billion state budget Monday by rejecting a push by Republican lawmakers to temporarily suspend the state's gas tax and provide other financial relief for inflation-wary taxpayers. … Debate on the plan got underway Monday in the Democratic-controlled House and the first order of business was dispensing with GOP amendments to freeze the state's gas tax, lower the capital gains business tax to 5%, overhaul the estate or 'death' tax, and double the circuit breaker tax credit for senior citizens. The proposals mirror parts of a $700 million tax relief package filed by Republican Gov. Charlie Baker alongside his preliminary budget plan. … Rep. Mark Cusack, D-Braintree, who chairs the Legislature's Revenue Committee that's reviewing Baker's package, said consideration of the tax breaks in the budget would be [premature] and urged his colleagues to reject the GOP amendments."

— More: "Massachusetts lawmakers say 'No' on tax cuts, but pay hikes for judges floated," by Matthew Medsger and Joe Dwinell, Boston Herald: "Lawmakers pushed to give judges a 12% pay hike, but tax break proposals and suspending the gas tax were all spiked — again."

— WHAT ABOUT THE GOVERNOR HOPEFULS? State Attorney General Maura Healey, asked on GBH's "Boston Public Radio" whether she supports the "basic direction" of Gov. Charlie Baker's tax-relief plan, said she's "open" to the Legislature doing some form of tax cut this session. But she'd like to see it "targeted" to "the families who most need it," and said issues like infrastructure and housing also need to be addressed.

State Sen. Sonia Chang-Díaz opposes Baker's calls to raise the estate tax threshold and lower the short-term capital gains tax rate, saying "we should be making our tax system more progressive, not passing kickbacks for the wealthy." The Senate is poised to release and debate its own budget in coming weeks.

The Republicans, already fuming that the Legislature won't pass a gas tax holiday, are both calling for tax cuts. Former state Rep. Geoff Diehl said it's "offensive to every Bay Stater that the Legislature is refusing to pass a tax cut." Chris Doughty said he's "in favor of tax relief that helps families, seniors, small businesses and entrepreneurs."

— "Reproductive health advocates reignite fight for abortions at Mass. public universities," by Marilyn Schairer, GBH News: "Reproductive health advocates hope to pass a bill in the state Legislature that would require public universities in Massachusetts to offer medication abortions at campus health centers, and they're turning to social media to build support. Reproductive Equity Now, formerly known as NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts, launched a $50,000 campaign on Monday to get people to sign an online petition to state legislators."

— "Holyoke dinosaur strides toward official status in Massachusetts," by Matthew Medsger, Boston Herald: "Weighing in at about 90 pounds and measuring maybe 6 feet long, [Podokesaurus holyokensis], the only remaining contender for the title of state dinosaur is on its way to the governor for passage into law as well as history."

A message from National Grid:

FROM THE HUB

— "Former Boston police union head Patrick Rose pleads guilty to abuse charges, sentenced to 13 years in prison," by Ivy Scott and Andrew Ryan, Boston Globe: "In an emotional hearing at Suffolk Superior Court on Monday, Patrick M. Rose Sr., a longtime Boston police officer and former president of the patrolmen's union, pleaded guilty to molesting six children over several decades. He was sentenced to serve at least 10 years in prison, capping a case that exposed deep institutional failings within the city's Police Department, which has a history of protecting officers accused of misconduct."

— More: "AG Healey 'glad to see' former police union president plead guilty in child sex abuse case," by Aidan Connelly, GBH News.

— "Protester arrested outside Boston Mayor Michelle Wu's home," by Emma Platoff, Boston Globe: "Boston police on Monday morning arrested a protester outside the home of Mayor Michelle Wu, the first arrest made after months of vocal demonstrations in Wu's quiet Roslindale neighborhood. Shannon Llewellyn was arrested around 7:45 a.m. outside Wu's home, according to a police incident report, and will be charged with 'willful violation' of a new city ordinance that prohibits targeted protests between the hours of 9 p.m. and 9 a.m."

— LISTEN: "Boston Mayor Michelle Wu on the city budget, COVID and policing," by Tiziana Dearing and Walter Wuthmann, WBUR: "On whether she will lift the mask mandate in schools: 'I understand the fatigue, understand the desire to just move on. Unfortunately, Boston Public Schools has pretty big vaccination gaps when it comes to our young people, and that has factored into our decision-making as well, especially relative to other districts. We are watching the numbers very closely.'"

PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES

— "At Park Street, Mayor Wu supports low-income fare program for the T," by Danny McDonald, Boston Globe: "Boston Mayor Michelle Wu joined transit advocates in downtown Boston Monday to call on state lawmakers to pass legislation that would establish and fund a low-income fare program for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority's system. According to advocates, data show that a reduced fare for the MBTA would allow low-income people to afford nearly a third more trips."

— "Keeping score on MBTA control board's priorities," by Bruce Mohl, CommonWealth Magazine: "A new report highlights where the MBTA is lagging behind goals set by its previous oversight board or in some cases moving in an entirely different direction. The report, prepared by the business group A Better City, indicates the biggest shift is taking place with electrification of the commuter rail system and the establishment of a reduced fare for low-income riders. Both were high priorities of the Fiscal and Management Control Board, but the report suggests they now appear to be low priorities of the MBTA and its new board of directors."

DAY IN COURT

— "2 wealthy parents appeal convictions in college bribery case," by Collin Binkley, The Associated Press: "Two wealthy parents [including a Massachusetts business executive] sentenced to prison in the sprawling college admissions bribery scandal appealed their convictions on Monday, saying they believed they were making legitimate donations to get their children into elite universities."

— "New Hampshire man pleads guilty to voting in 2 states," by The Associated Press: "Todd Krysiak, 39, was charged in June 2019 and pleaded guilty Friday to voting in more than one state. He was given a 90-day suspended sentence and ordered to pay a $4,000 fine, plus a $960 penalty. According to prosecutors, he cast ballots in both Alton, New Hampshire, and Leominster, Massachusetts, on Nov. 6, 2016."

FROM THE 413

— "Long-sought NYC-Pittsfield rail link will get its test this summer with Berkshire Flyer," by Larry Parnass, Berkshire Eagle: "A delayed experiment to enhance tourist access to the Berkshires will finally roll this summer, five years after a subsidy was secured. Officials with the Massachusetts and New York transportation departments said Monday that the Berkshire Flyer will provide limited train trips linking New York City with Pittsfield, starting July 8."

— "Amherst Cinema employees seek to unionize," by Scott Merzbach, Daily Hampshire Gazette: "Wages, schedules and other work conditions, including safety around COVID-19, are prompting box office employees at the Amherst Cinema to seek the creation of a union at the nonprofit theater that opened in 2006."

JOIN US ON 4/29 FOR A WOMEN RULE DISCUSSION ON WOMEN IN TECH : Women, particularly women of color and women from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds, have historically been locked out of the tech world. But this new tech revolution could be an opportunity for women to get in on the ground floor of a new chapter. Join POLITICO for an in-depth panel discussion on the future of women in tech and how to make sure women are both participating in this fast-moving era and have access to all it offers. REGISTER HERE.

THE LOCAL ANGLE

— "Anti-Semitic incidents in Mass. reached historic high in 2021, report says," by Tonya Alanez, Boston Globe: "The number of anti-Semitic incidents in Massachusetts reached an all-time high in 2021, according to an annual report from the Anti-Defamation League. The stabbing of a rabbi in Brighton, and the use of Holocaust-related terms by the Duxbury High School football team were among the examples that contributed to the 48 percent increase in incidents over the previous year."

— "More kids report carrying handguns, with largest rise among white, wealthy, and rural teens, new study finds," by Kay Lazar, Boston Globe: "Over the past two decades, amid heated debates about gun control, the number of teenagers nationwide who acknowledge carrying a handgun has jumped significantly, report Boston researchers in a new study."

— "How a Mass. dairy company became the biggest seller of oat milk in the US," by Susannah Sudborough, Boston.com: "HP Hood's oat milk may not be the trendiest brand of the dairy alternative, or even the most widely known, but Planet Oat is the most popular brand of oat milk in the U.S."

— "Worcester police want to buy drone and despite City Council concerns over equity and privacy, ultimate decision lays with city manager," by Kiernan Dunlop, MassLive: "Ongoing concerns about privacy and equity have landed the discussion of purchasing a drone for the police department back on the Worcester City Council agenda, but the ultimate decision lies with the city manager."

— "Incoming Mashpee Middle-High School principal named in gender identity lawsuit," by Rachael Devaney, Cape Cod Times: "Stacy Monette, newly hired principal for Mashpee Middle-High School, has been named as a defendant in a lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court that touches on the hot button topics of students' gender identity and a parent's right to know. Monette is currently the principal at Paul R. Baird Middle School in Ludlow."

— "Arlington Residents Eager To Ban Single-Use Water Bottles," by Zinnia Maldonado, WBZ: "The ban would apply to any business in Arlington selling bottled water in sizes one liter or less as well as town owned buildings such as public schools. All in efforts to reduce plastic pollution and litter. … More than 20 towns in Massachusetts have passed similar bottled water restrictions and Arlington residents are eager to join the list."

MEANWHILE IN RHODE ISLAND

— "Making prostitution legal in Rhode Island: The out-of-state money behind the push," by Amanda Milkovits, Boston Globe: "Many of those who have survived the life, and others who are still on the streets, say Rhode Island was a hub for exploitation when prostitution was legal. But now some local politicians are pushing to not just decriminalize or legalize prostitution, but even ban police from investigating sex buyers, pimps, and the brothels and strip clubs where women and girls may be trafficked or abused."

A message from National Grid:

National Grid is announcing our path to a fossil-free energy future for our customers and communities. Our fossil-free plan will help achieve the Northeast's aggressive climate goals and set a new standard for energy companies.

We will use renewable natural gas, green hydrogen generated from wind and solar power, battery storage, and greater energy efficiency to make our National Grid system fossil-free by 2050 or earlier. Climate scientists say renewable natural gas is a win-win for the environment.

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MEANWHILE IN NEW HAMPSHIRE

— "The one Republican Trump can't touch," by David Siders, POLITICO: "It's been nearly three months since Corey Lewandowski, Donald Trump's former campaign manager, called for Chris Sununu's head, boasting he was trying to help find someone to primary New Hampshire's three-term Republican governor. He isn't having much luck."

SPOTTED — among the several hundred guests at the Boston celebration of life for Larry Rasky, the PR pro and President Joe Biden confidante who died of Covid-19 in 2020: Sen. Ed Markey and Labor Secretary Marty Walsh, who both spoke; Rasky's son, Will Rasky, who delivered what two attendees described to Playbook as an incredibly moving eulogy; Biden, via video recording; Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, City Council President Ed Flynn and Councilor Kenzie Bok; former House Speaker Bob DeLeo, former Senate President Therese Murray, former state Rep. Jeffrey Sánchez, state Sen. Nick Collins, state Reps. Rob Consalvo and Sally Kerans; former DNC chair and state treasurer Steve Grossman, Dave Cavell, Joe Trippi, former Rep. Joe Kennedy III, Cindy Rowe, Quincy City Councilor Nina Liang, as well as Annie Tomasini and several current and former Biden staff.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY — to former Rep. Niki Tsongas, Hyphenated Strategies' Katie Prisco-Buxbaum, AKPD Message and Media's Larry Grisolano, Ronald Leibowitz and Nathalie Sczublewski.

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.

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