News: Free transit? Depends on the next governor

Friday, June 17, 2022

Free transit? Depends on the next governor

Jun 17, 2022

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PROGRAMMING NOTE: Massachusetts Playbook will not publish on Monday, June 20, for Juneteenth. I'll be back in your inbox on Tuesday.

DRIVING THE DAY — Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has been on a yearslong quest to "free the T." Now, as prices soar, transit systems struggle to recapture riders and local leaders look for ways to entice people back downtown, fare free transit is becoming increasingly alluring.

Connecticut suspended bus fares through Dec. 1. In Chicago, Mayor Lori Lightfoot is giving away 100,000 Chicago Transit Authority fare cards worth $50 each. A new fare structure will make Cape Ann Transportation Authority buses and vans cheaper — a change designed to "simplify operations" but that could have "added benefits" of easing transportation access, the Gloucester Daily Times' Ethan Forman reports.

Playbook asked the Bay State's gubernatorial candidates where they stand on fare free transportation and whether they would consider a short-term reduction or elimination of fares to help offset rising costs for commuters:

— State Sen. Sonia Chang-Díaz, who's already pledged to remove fares from MBTA and RTA buses as part of her first budget as governor, gave an enthusiastic "yes" when asked if she'd turn to fareless transit to combat inflation.

— Her Democratic rival, state Attorney General Maura Healey, is "absolutely open to reduced fare or no fare options on targeted lines … particularly in this moment of economic pain," her campaign said.

— On the Republican side, Chris Doughty said that while gas prices remain high, "reduced fares may be a way to increase ridership in the long run."

— Former state Rep. Geoff Diehl and his running mate, former state Rep. Leah Cole Allen, aren't in favor of free rides but "are concerned by the high price of fares" and would aim to "make the system run better and more affordably," their campaign said.

Speaking of the lieutenant governor race, state Rep. Tami Gouveia is all-in for fare-free transit, starting with buses, like in Boston. State Sen. Eric Lesser would consider temporary relief measures and supports the longer-term phasing in of fareless service, his campaign said. Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll believes "everything should be on the table" right now, per her campaign. Driscoll said on WCVB's "On the Record" last weekend that public transit should be free "for some people" but "not for all."

GOOD FRIDAY MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. Sorry, C's fans. But hey, we've got the 2026 men's FIFA World Cup to look forward to at Gillette!

TODAY — Rep. Lori Trahan is at UTEC Haverhill at 10 a.m. Wu, Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey and Rep. Ayanna Pressley announce federal funding for Piers Park III in East Boston at 3 p.m. Markey hosts a press conference at 9:45 a.m. at the New England Aquarium and speaks at the Cambridge Health Alliance at 2 p.m. in Somerville. Wu speaks at the city's Black Employee Network Juneteenth Celebration at 12:15 p.m. at City Hall and at a groundbreaking for Boston's first LGBTQ+ senior housing development at 1 p.m. in Hyde Park with Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito.

King Boston presents its inaugural "Embrace Awards" to former Boston Acting Mayor Kim Janey and to Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston President Robert Lewis Jr. at 2 p.m. at MassArt; Wu attends the King Boston 2022 Embrace Ideas Festival at 5:30 p.m. in Roxbury and Gov. Charlie Baker stops by at 7 p.m.

THIS WEEKEND — Baker joins Project 351 Ambassadors at Gillette Stadium from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday. State House News Service's Katie Lannan and Matt Murphy are on WBZ's "Keller @ Large" at 8:30 a.m. Sunday. Lesser is on WCVB's "On the Record" at 11 a.m. Sunday.

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

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Did you know more than half of every dollar spent on medicines goes to someone who doesn't make them? There's a long line of middlemen, like PBMs and insurers, collecting a significant portion of what you pay for medicine. The share of total spending for brand medicines received by the supply chain and other stakeholders increased from 33% in 2013 to 50.5% in 2020. Learn more.

DATELINE BEACON HILL

— ON THE MOVE: Lawmakers on Thursday sent Gov. Charlie Baker the VOTES Act to make the pandemic-era expansion of mail-in and early voting permanent and another bill on Chapter 90 road and bridge funding. The House unanimously approved its mental health bill, teeing up reconciliation talks with the Senate.

— STANDSTILL: One thing that isn't moving on Beacon Hill: Senate staffers' push to unionize.

It's been two and a half months since staffers asked Karen Spilka to voluntarily recognize their union and a month since the Senate president met with staffers to listen to their reasons for wanting to unionize, including better compensation and benefits and a workplace free of harassment and discrimination. A spokesperson for Spilka had no update to share Thursday on the Senate counsel's ongoing legal review of the matter.

"We would like concrete deadlines," Evan Berry, a union organizer and Senate staffer, told Playbook. "Even if legal questions are in flux you can still affirm your support for organized labor."

Support for Senate staffers' effort is growing. This week alone the Massachusetts State House Employee Union won support from Sen. Ed Markey, Rep. Stephen Lynch and state Sen. Michael Moore.

Many of this year's statewide candidates are also on board, including governor hopefuls state Attorney General Maura Healey, state Sen. Sonia Chang-Díaz and former state Rep. Geoff Diehl; lieutenant governor candidates state Sen. Eric Lesser, state Rep. Tami Gouveia and Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll; attorney general hopefuls Quentin Palfrey and Shannon Liss-Riordan; secretary of state candidate Tanisha Sullivan and auditor hopefuls Chris Dempsey and state Sen. Diana DiZoglio. Several candidates could not be reached for comment yesterday.

— NOT FREE AFTER ALL: Stacia Castro, former director of the MassHealth Speciality Provider Network, has paid a $6,000 civil penalty for violating the conflict of interest law by soliciting and receiving Boston Red Sox tickets worth $120 apiece, a tour of Fenway Park and a $500 voucher for dinner at the ballpark from a MassHealth dental program contractor.

— "Massachusetts tax relief: Gov. Charlie Baker renews his push as state's rainy day fund soars," by Alison Kuznitz, MassLive: "[Gov. Charlie] Baker pleaded his case on Twitter as he cited the state's burgeoning rainy day fund, citing new data from the Department of Revenue that showed capital gains tax collections approached $2.3 billion from Feb. 1 through May 31."

— "State Senate passes bill banning prison, jail construction in Massachusetts for 5 years," by Chris Van Buskirk, MassLive: "The Senate passed legislation Thursday afternoon that would impose a five-year moratorium on the construction of new prisons and jails in Massachusetts, a move supporters say would reduce fiscal burdens on the state and promote alternative rehabilitation methods for incarcerated individuals. … The House passed similar language in mid-May, and now the bill needs final procedural votes in both branches before heading to Gov. Charlie Baker's desk."

— "Biz leaders want state to cover 'overpayment' waivers," by Christian M. Wade, Eagle-Tribune: "Business leaders are calling on the state to cover the cost of providing state waivers to hundreds of thousands of Massachusetts' jobless claimants who owe 'overpayments' for unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic. Gov. Charlie Baker filed a $3.5 billion economic development bill in April that included $300 million to cover state waivers for overpayments, but a legislative committee yanked that provision from the spending plan before releasing a scaled-down version of the bill earlier this week."

— "Gov. Baker files $56M bill for victims of COVID outbreak at Holyoke Soldiers' Home," by Stephanie Barry, Springfield Republican: "Gov. Charlie Baker on Thursday filed a $56 million bill to fund a settlement in a class action lawsuit over the COVID-19 outbreak at the Holyoke Soldiers' Home in the spring of 2020."

THE LATEST NUMBERS

— "Boston-area COVID wastewater dips, Massachusetts virus cases drop 16%," by Rick Sobey, Boston Herald: "The COVID wastewater daily average for the north-of-Boston region has fallen 48% since the start of June, while the average for the south-of-Boston area has declined 11%. … Meanwhile, the state Department of Public Health on Thursday reported 1,662 daily COVID cases, a 16% decline from 1,989 infections last Thursday."

— "COVID Cases in Mass. Schools Continue Downward Trend," by Mike Pescaro, NBC10 Boston: "In total, Massachusetts schools reported 4,216 cases, a drop of about 23.8% from last Thursday's report, when 5,534 cases were confirmed."

— "Massachusetts reports 7th monkeypox case, DPH will give weekly updates about outbreak," by Rick Sobey, Boston Herald: "The newest monkeypox case in the Bay State is a man who recently traveled internationally, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health."

— "Hampden County only county in New England with 'high' community level of COVID," by Kiernan Dunlop, MassLive: "Hampden County is currently the only county in New England designated by the Centers for Disease Control as having a 'high' community level of COVID-19, according to CDC data from Thursday."

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FROM THE HUB

— "'They're not doing anything': Boston's gang intervention program is in disarray, sources say," by Danny McDonald, Boston Globe: "In 2019, when the city of Boston announced a revamp of its violence prevention program, SOAR Boston had lofty goals: reducing recidivism, interrupting street violence, and helping gang-involved young people find paths to a better life. Nearly three years later, SOAR is defined by internal turmoil, its important objectives derailed, according to five people who are familiar with the organization's internal workings."

— " A dozen Boston parking-enforcement officers under investigation for writing fake tickets to get off work, city says," by Sean Philip Cotter, Boston Herald: "Six parking enforcement officers are off the job and another half-dozen are under the microscope after the city says it found that the ticket-writers had been penning fake or bad fines while they skipped work."

— "Another try to expand Southie convention center," by Jon Chesto, Boston Globe: "The operators of the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center have launched a new plan to expand the sprawling South Boston complex, with the hopes it will help the city capture an increasing share of the convention market as it rebounds from the pandemic."

YAHD SIGNS AND BUMPAH STICKAHS

— MONEY MATTERS: State Attorney General Maura Healey is putting some of her $5 million war chest to use. The gubernatorial hopeful has placed $108,000 in ad buys from Aug. 15 through Sept. 5, the run-up to the state primary, in the Boston and Springfield markets, according to ad tracker AdImpact. Healey's $108,000 spend dwarfs the $66,526 the MassGOP is spending on television, cable and radio ads attacking the Democratic frontrunner.

— FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: Boston state Sen. Will Brownsberger, a key player in criminal justice reform on Beacon Hill, is endorsing Suffolk District Attorney Kevin Hayden for a full term. "It is so important that the next district attorney have management experience, a deep hands-on understanding of how the prosecution works, and a commitment to creating a more just and equitable legal system in Suffolk County," Brownsberger said in a statement.

— FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: State Sen. Eric Lesser has been endorsed for lieutenant governor by the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees Council 93.

— NEW: Katrina Huff-Larmond, who's challenging state Sen. Michael Brady, has been endorsed by five of Randolph's eight town councilors and four of its five school committee members, according to her campaign.

— "Fall River write-in state rep candidate faces outstanding felony child abuse case," by Jo C. Goode, Herald News: "A self-described 'official' Republican candidate in the race for the House 7th Bristol District, the seat currently held by Democrat Alan Silvia, is facing a felony criminal case for alleged assault and battery with a dangerous weapon on a child."

A message from PhRMA:

PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES

— "Two auditor candidates, one gubernatorial hopeful call for safety audit of MBTA," by Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald: "Auditor candidate, state Sen. Diana DiZoglio, D-Methuen, citing new details from the Federal Transit Administration that show 'glaring safety issues and a dysfunctional management process at the MBTA,' kicked things off Thursday by saying she would conduct an audit. … DiZoglio's plan largely drew a collective shrug from Republican candidate Anthony Amore and Democratic primary opponent Chris Dempsey, who described it as vague and lacking detail. … Dempsey, a longtime transit advocate, said he would instead use the authority of the auditor's office to ensure the recommendations from the federal investigation are followed by MBTA management. Amore said he's on board with an audit, but questioned DiZoglio's commitment to transparency."

— "Boston business leader says T is 'failing,' Baker too focused on inputs, not results," by Taylor Dolven, Boston Globe: "Jim Rooney, the president of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and former T deputy general manager, said findings from federal transit officials released Wednesday are 'discouraging,' and the dreaded MBTA commute — with trains and buses that may or may not arrive on time and may or may not be safe — is a top reason employees are hesitant to return to the office after years of remote work."

TRUMPACHUSETTS

— "Car with anti-Trump sticker crashes through window of New England for Trump store," by WCVB: "Police are investigating after a car with a bumper sticker critical of former President Donald Trump crashed through the front glass of a pro-Trump store, located in a prominent location beside Route 138."

IT'S NOT EASY BEING GREEN

— "As gas companies plan for a climate future, their vision: more gas," by Sabrina Shankman, Boston Globe: "Up on the fourth floor of Westin Copley Place this week, hundreds of natural gas representatives mingled among glossy posters and tables littered with branded baseball hats and Oreos. Among the niceties and exchanges of business cards it became quickly clear — the climate crisis is very much on people's minds. Another thing became clear, too. The solution, as they see it, is more gas."

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FROM THE 413

— "Advocacy campaign turns Amherst councilors skittish on psychedelic plant resolution," by Scott Merzbach, Daily Hampshire Gazette: "In its push to convince the Amherst Town Council to adopt a resolution proclaiming support for decriminalizing psychedelic plant medicine, activists sent dozens of emails to councilors and news media outlets, many on behalf of those who signed a petition. But whether those who put their names on the petition were aware that their names would later be attached to advocacy letters, including letters to the editor, is unclear. The question was a concern for some on the Town Council, which this week sent the resolution back to committee."

THE LOCAL ANGLE

— "Malden superintendent's education credentials called into question," by Bianca Vázquez Toness, Boston Globe: "Some educators, parents, and community members are questioning the integrity of Malden Superintendent Ligia Noriega-Murphy, who has been unable to provide proof of a doctorate degree she says she earned nine years ago."

— "Worcester Bishop Robert McManus to Nativity School: Don't identify yourself as Catholic school," by Mike Elfland, Telegram & Gazette: "In the wake of controversy over the school flying Pride and Black Lives Matters flags, the Nativity School of Worcester has been told by the Diocese of Worcester that it can no longer identify itself as a Catholic school. Bishop Robert McManus decried the flags in April, saying they represent concepts that contradict with the Catholic faith."

— "Logan workers win a raise with Massport vote," by Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald: "The minimum wage for certain Boston Logan International Airport workers will soon increase to $17 an hour after a months-long push by advocates and a vote Thursday by the Massport Board."

— "Dogs trained to sniff out COVID in schools are getting a lot of love for their efforts," by Ari Daniel, NPR: "Since last fall, Huntah the dog, a not-quite-two-year-old black lab, has been sweeping classrooms and common areas at Freetown Elementary School nearly every week in search of ... COVID."

— "We Asked an AI to Design the New Massachusetts State Flag," by Spencer Buell, Boston Magazine.

A message from PhRMA:

Did you know that PBMs, insurers, hospitals, the government, and others received a larger share of total spending on medicines than biopharmaceutical companies? That's right, more than half of spending on brand medicines goes to someone who doesn't make them. Let's fix the system the right way and ensure more of the savings go to patients, not middlemen. Learn more.

HEARD 'ROUND THE BUBBLAH

SPOTTED — at the Celtics game: AG hopeful Shannon Liss-Riordan and former Boston City Councilor Josh Zakim. And at Fenway Park: Weymouth Mayor Bob Hedlund with former Gov. Mike Dukakis and former Lt. Gov. Kerry Healey.

TRANSITIONS — Jane Piercy joined Reproductive Equity Now as managing director in May. Piercy began volunteering with Reproductive Equity Now over 30 years ago.

— Arlington Town Manager Adam Chapdelaine has been named the first deputy director of the Boston Green Ribbon Commission and will work on advancing the organization's climate strategy. His last day in Arlington is today; he starts with the Boston Green Ribbon Commission in September.

— Margaret Boyle of Rep. Richard Neal's office is now also serving on the Springfield Redevelopment Authority board after being nominated by Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno and confirmed by Gov. Charlie Baker.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY — to CBS News reporter Nicole Sganga, Aaron Saunders and Maxwell Nunes.

HAPPY BIRTHWEEKEND — to Steph Evans, Rick Cappellazzo and Sarah Anders, who celebrate Saturday; DPH Media Relations Director Ann Scales, Sen. Ed Markey campaign alum and the AFL-CIO's Liz Vlock and HubSpot's Katie Burke, who celebrate Sunday; and to Monday birthday-ers Mark Gardner, the Boston Globe's Samantha J. Gross, the Eagle-Tribune's Breanna Edelstein, Tom Tripicco, Sydney Asbury, principal of DNM Solutions and Anastasia Nicolaou.

NEW HORSE RACE ALERT: STATE OF THE UNIONS — GBH's Tori Bedford and Starbucks shift manager and union committee member Willow Montana join hosts Jennifer Smith and Lisa Kashinsky to dive into the growing unionization movement. Subscribe and listen on iTunes and Sound Cloud.

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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