News: Dems’ abortion access divide

Wednesday, July 13, 2022

Dems’ abortion access divide

Jul 13, 2022

STICKING POINT — One of the first governors to issue an executive order upholding abortion rights post-Roe could now be the biggest obstacle to state lawmakers expanding access to the procedure.

The Senate will debate abortion legislation today that excludes two key provisions of the House bill passed in late June, most notably one permitting abortions after 24 weeks of pregnancy in cases of "severe" fetal anomalies, not just lethal ones.

Senators are facing competing pressures over that wording. A disabilities advocacy group, which generally supports the abortion protections under consideration, is concerned that including "severe" fetal anomalies could affect babies "who may be born with disabilities" such as Down syndrome "but whose life is not at risk," according to an email The Arc of Massachusetts sent to lawmakers obtained by Playbook.

But abortion-rights advocates say clarifying the language in the 2020 ROE Act about when the procedure can be performed later in pregnancy is critical. They cite the case of Kate Dineen — who, at 33 weeks pregnant, had to travel to Maryland for an abortion after her son suffered a catastrophic stroke — as an example of why the update is necessary. Nearly two dozen doctors also sent representatives a letter earlier this month saying they're "hampered by the wording of the current statute."

Now, in an unusually public display of political pressure between chambers, state Rep. Kate Hogan, currently the second-highest-ranking House member, has rallied nearly 100 of her Democratic colleagues to sign onto a letter urging Senate President Karen Spilka to adopt the House's language.

But state Sen. Cindy Friedman sees GOP Gov. Charlie Baker as a barrier. Friedman, a Democrat who's been shepherding abortion legislation through her chamber, told Playbook she'd be "kind of stupid" to think Baker, who vetoed the ROE Act over issues with two sections including one "expanding the availability of later-term abortions," would approve a provision extending that access.

"We need to get done what we know we can get done at this moment," Friedman said of abortion protections, adding that other measures can and should be revisited.

Time isn't on lawmakers' side in the event of a veto. While the House passed its bill with a veto-proof majority, legislators would have just days to override a possible rejection from the governor before the end of session on July 31. Baker's office didn't respond to a request for comment.

Some senators want to chance it. Arguing there's no telling what Baker will do, state Sen. Becca Rausch filed a measure attempting to clarify the ROE Act language as one of 31 amendments up for debate today.

GOOD WEDNESDAY MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. Mayor Michelle Wu will unveil Boston's new police commissioner this morning, the latest in a string of major personnel announcements as the not-so-new mayor continues to reshape city government in her image.

TODAY — Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito presides over a Governor's Council meeting at noon at the State House. Wu attends an East Boston coffee hour at 9:30 a.m. and then hosts a press conference to announce the new BPD commissioner at 11 a.m. at Gertrude Howes Playground. Labor Secretary Marty Walsh participates in the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce's "Investing in the Workforce" panel at 2 p.m.

Tips? Scoops? Bets on when we'll get a budget? Email me: lkashinsky@politico.com.

HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT ROE BEING OVERTURNED? JOIN WOMEN RULE ON 7/21: Now that the Supreme Court has overturned Roe v. Wade , abortion policy is in the hands of the states and, ultimately, voters. Join POLITICO national political correspondent Elena Schneider for a Women Rule "ask me anything" conversation featuring a panel of reporters from our politics and health care teams who will answer your questions about how the court's decision could play out in different states, its impact on the midterms and what it means for reproductive rights in the U.S. going forward. SUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONS AND REGISTER HERE.

DATELINE BEACON HILL

— STRENGTH IN NUMBERS: Senate staffers pushing to unionize have sent a new letter to Senate President Karen Spilka urging her to recognize their union, provide them a complete Senate staff list and give them an update on Senate counsel's review of their requests. It's been more than three months since staffers first alerted Spilka to their union drive. This latest letter — which staffers have requested a response to by Friday — was signed by 477 supporters from all 40 Senate districts.

— "Most Massachusetts police officers denied recertification did not complete training program, state's police licensing commission says," by Chris Van Buskirk, MassLive: "The seven police officers denied recertification at the end of last month were primarily individuals who did not complete a program allowing them to bridge gaps between prior training and requirements needed to renew their law enforcement license, the head of Massachusetts' police licensing commission said Tuesday morning."

— More: "Massachusetts' police licensing commission is still deciding what information about officers, agencies will be made public," by Chris Van Buskirk, MassLive: "The state's police licensing commission is eyeing new policies that would regulate how it handles public records requests seeking information about law enforcement officers after staff said they received a surge of inquiries following the most recent recertification process."

— "Money for crime victim services in budget limbo," by Shira Schoenberg, CommonWealth Magazine: "As state lawmakers continue negotiating a final fiscal 2023 budget nearly two weeks into the fiscal year, the limbo facing victims' rights organization is one example of the real world impact caused by a late state budget. While the organizations may – or may not – ultimately get their money, advocates say the process adds unnecessary stress to an already stretched industry."

— "Lawmaker puts wording into economic bill that would end lawsuit accusing a Boston nonprofit of predatory lending," by Andrea Estes, Boston Globe: "A little-noticed amendment to a House bill would effectively end a two-year-old lawsuit alleging that a Boston nonprofit engaged in predatory lending after promising to help struggling homeowners stay in their homes, according to lawyers for the plaintiffs."

VAX-ACHUSETTS

— "BA.5 variant spiking across Massachusetts, New England: 'Critical to stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines,' Fauci says," by Rick Sobey, Boston Herald: "The omicron BA.5 variant is quickly gaining steam across the region, as the extremely contagious subvariant is now responsible for close to 60% of new virus cases in New England. The quickly spreading variant is more transmissible and can better escape immunity, including from prior omicron infections — meaning it could cause infections to rise in the coming weeks, Biden White House health officials cautioned on Tuesday."

FROM THE HUB

— "Boston police union slams city, police leadership for officers working 24-hour shifts," by Flint McColgan, Boston Herald: "A union representing city cops has lambasted the leadership of both the City of Boston and its police department for allegedly ordering some police officers to work 24-hour shifts during recent major events in the city."

— "An accord in Allston: Harvard and neighbors reach deal that will greenlight big development," by Jon Chesto, Boston Globe: "Harvard University has reached a deal with representatives of the Allston community that will allow the university to finally move forward with the first phase of its ambitious development plans in the neighborhood. … Now, with Harvard agreeing to create more affordable housing, the BPDA's staff is advancing the project by recommending board approval at its monthly meeting Thursday night. No date has yet been announced to start construction."

— "'They took our hard-earned money': North End restaurant owners question how outdoor dining fees are being spent," by Tiffany Chan, WBZ: "Table Restaurant owner Jen Royle is $7,500 short. That's how much she, and other North End restaurant owners, paid to extend outdoor dining onto Hanover Street in Boston. … The city promised the money would be spent on increased police patrols and cleaner streets. … Despite the City of Boston tweeting a series of photos of a city worker power washing sidewalks with the caption #NorthEnd, another restaurant owner in the neighborhood said not much has changed since the program started 10 weeks ago."

DAY IN COURT

— "Federal judge tosses 11 of 14 claims in lawsuit brought by former Boston police commissioner," by Danny McDonald, Boston Globe: "A federal judge on Tuesday dismissed 11 of 14 claims brought against the city by former Boston police commissioner Dennis White in litigation that focused on the city's decision to fire White when former domestic abuse allegations against him resurfaced. Judge Leo T. Sorokin tossed allegations that the city and Boston's former acting mayor, Kim Janey, had violated the Massachusetts Civil Rights Act, as well as another state law that governs the removal of a Boston police commissioner, and breached an implied contract. His order allowed due process, defamation, and right to privacy claims to proceed in the case. Sorokin previously found that White failed to support his claims that his termination was discriminatory."

— "State's high court orders a re-do of downtown harbor plan," by Tim Logan, Boston Globe: " The Supreme Judicial Court unanimously agreed with Suffolk Superior Court judge Brian Davis' decision last April that state officials have long approved municipal harbor plans in an improper fashion — by simply having the state environmental secretary sign off on them instead of full review by the Department of Environmental Protection, as is spelled out in state law."

YAHD SIGNS AND BUMPAH STICKAHS

— "'The education governor': Healey touts big teacher's union endorsement," by Samantha J. Gross, Boston Globe: "In one of her first public appearances after she became the presumptive Democratic nominee for governor, Attorney General Maura Healey rallied one of the largest labor unions in the state — the Massachusetts Teachers Association — in an education-focused visit to Worcester. Healey, who promised she would be 'the education governor' pushed her public education priorities Tuesday, where she visited with union leaders as well as vocational education leaders at Worcester Technical High School."

— ENDORSEMENT ALERT: The 23,000-member American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts is also endorsing Maura Healey for governor, with President Beth Kontos saying the attorney general is "offering real solutions to close the opportunity gaps in our schools, and to make Massachusetts more affordable so that educators can afford to live and raise our families here." Healey will also speak at the national group's convention in Boston this weekend.

— "Lawmakers, unions are making choices in 5th Suffolk race," by Gintautas Dumcius, Dorchester Reporter: "Local lawmakers and unions are taking sides in the race to replace state Rep. Liz Miranda, whose House seat, anchored in Dorchester and Roxbury, is open due to her run for a state Senate seat. In the contest for her 5th Suffolk House seat, the two main candidates have also received encouragement from the current and former mayors of Boston."

PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES

— "MBTA riders, transit advocates rally for low-income fares," by Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald: "Transit advocates, MBTA riders and workers are making one final push for a low-income fare program to be passed through the Legislature by the end of the month, when the formal session ends. State Sen. Lydia Edwards, Rep. Adrian Madaro, and Carmen's Union Local 589 President Jim Evers joined fellow low-income fare supporters at a Public Transit Public Good-organized Tuesday afternoon rally in front of the State House."

— WATCH: Sen. Elizabeth Warren grill FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez on the MBTA's safety issues.

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FROM THE 413

— "Western Mass. legislators slam Eversource pipeline through Longmeadow, Springfield as dangerous," by Patrick Johnson, Springfield Republican: "Six state legislators from Greater Springfield have come out in opposition to a controversial Eversource natural gas pipeline planned for a five-mile route through parts of Longmeadow and Springfield. They join the Longmeadow Select Board in opposition. Members of the Springfield City Council will vote Monday on a resolution opposing the pipeline."

— "Commission calls for $60 million in funding to support rural school districts," by Matt Martinez, Berkshire Eagle: "The Special Commission on Rural School Districts voted to recommend at least $60 million in appropriations to rural schools to address issues with transportation, declining enrollment and costs related to school choice and special education. The recommendation, made at the commission's final meeting, would be a significant increase from the $4 million of rural school aid allocated in the General Appropriations Act for the fiscal year that ended June 30."

THE LOCAL ANGLE

— "Nursing shortage at hospitals leads to multimillion-dollar costs," by Jessica Bartlett, Boston Globe: "A widespread shortage of nurses at Massachusetts hospitals is only getting more extreme, with an estimated 5,000 vacancies across the state and institutions hemorrhaging cash as they are forced to hire temporary staff at much higher rates. In June, the Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association conducted a survey of 36 of the state's 61 acute care hospitals. According to findings released this week, the vacancy rate for nurse positions has more than doubled since before the pandemic, growing from 6.4 percent in 2019 to 13.6 percent in 2022."

— "In wake of report showing Worcester police issued more citations, arrests to Black, Hispanic community, city wants regular reports," by Kiernan Dunlop, MassLive: "Data that revealed Black and Hispanic drivers in Worcester are more likely to receive a citation than their white counterparts has prompted the Worcester Human Rights Commission to request more data surrounding motor vehicle stops in the city."

— "The drought in Massachusetts is getting worse," by Miriam Wasser, WBUR: "The ongoing drought in Massachusetts is getting worse. That's the big takeaway from a meeting this week of the state's Drought Management Task Force."

— "To 'inspire a generation': Quincy announces launch of Adams family nonprofit, center," by Mary Whitfill, Patriot Ledger: "To honor the legacies of two U.S. presidents. To create 'incredible opportunities for civic engagement.' To 'inspire a generation.' These are the goals of the newly established Adams Presidential Center, a nonprofit organization based in Quincy that will ultimately share the history of the Adams family, highlight its contributions to the nation's founding and connect the nearly 250-year-old legacy to the modern age."

MEANWHILE IN RHODE ISLAND

— "White nationalists increase attempts to recruit in New England," by Amanda Milkovits, Boston Globe: "In Rhode Island, leaflets dropped near churches and schools are part of an uptick in activity among groups tied to a recent white supremacist march in Boston and the 2017 Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia."

— "RI State Senator Tiara Mack 'won't allow' shame for twerking video," by Paris Alston, GBH News.

MEANWHILE IN NEW HAMPSHIRE

— GRANITE STATE OF MIND: The United States has more than 3,000 counties. But with its population increasingly sorting into solidly blue or comfortably red territory, the number of truly contested regions is just a tiny fraction of that total. POLITICO is taking a look at 20 of the most important counties that will determine whether Republicans or Democrats rule the House and Senate in 2023, and New Hampshire's Rockingham County is one of them. The county profiles were reported and written by journalists who participated in the POLITICO Journalism Institute, a training program designed to advance newsroom diversity.

HEARD 'ROUND THE BUBBLAH

TRANSITIONS — Former Sen. Mo Cowan is now chairman of nonprofit MassChallenge's board of directors. The new role comes in addition to Cowan serving as chief legal and external affairs officer for health insurance startup Devoted Health. "I feel privileged to take on this role at such an exciting time when MassChallenge's mission to support entrepreneurs is more important than ever," Cowan said in a statement.

— Priscilla Casper has been named nightly co-anchor for NBC10 Boston. Colton Bradford is joining the weekday evening team as co-anchor.

— Providence Journal managing editor Michael McDermott has been named executive editor of the Worcester Telegram & Gazette.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY — to Amanda Hunter, executive director of the Barbara Lee Family Foundation, and Barry Posen.

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