News: Battle brews over ballot question ads

Monday, October 17, 2022

Battle brews over ballot question ads

Oct 17, 2022

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CONFLICTING INFORMATION — Proponents and critics of the ballot question to regulate dental insurance are feuding over the accuracy of the opposition's television advertisements, raising broader concerns about how confusing more technical ballot questions can be for voters.

The Committee on Dental Insurance Quality, which supports ballot Question 2 to require dental insurers to spend at least 83 percent of the premiums they collect on dental care costs, not administrative expenses, is accusing the Committee to Protect Access to Quality Dental Care of "manifestly untrue" advertising and asking local television stations to pull those ads from the airwaves .

At issue is a statistic in both of the opposition's ads that says "dental costs could go up by as much as 38 percent." The statement is attributed to a Milliman Research report , funded by a group backing the opposition, which says smaller carriers "would need to increase premiums by almost 38" percent to meet the new dental loss threshold if the ballot measure passes and that compliance "could be particularly difficult" because of the way the proposal is written.

Proponents argue that dental premiums are not the same as dental care costs. Opponents say increases in premiums — what you pay for your dental insurance each month — "are a cost to consumers" and that Question 2 "will increase costs and decrease access for consumers and businesses."

That's a boiled-down summary of the latest dust-up in the complex fight over dental insurance regulation that voters are being asked to decide at the ballot box. And it highlights how difficult it can be for voters to discern what a ballot question would do amid marketing spin.

"The only incentives about advertising are about persuading people, and you're not going to reach for the most accurate description, you're going to reach for the most convincing," Evan Horowitz, executive director of the Tufts Center for State Policy Analysis, which independently analyzed each of this year's ballot questions , told Playbook.

Horowitz cited opponents of the Fair Share Amendment, ballot Question 1, who are running "sympathetic" ads featuring small business owners they claim could be harmed by passing the so-called millionaires tax, when they're "really a peripheral part of the ballot question." Proponents of the constitutional amendment — which would add a 4 percent surtax on annual income above $1 million and funnel the money toward education and transportation projects — have recently been talking about bridge repairs, another thing Horowitz said is "not central to the operations of the millionaires tax."

What about the Question 2 question at hand? Horowitz said the idea that dental costs could rise isn't inaccurate based on his read of the initiative. "This ballot question is more likely to increase costs than it is to increase premiums," Horowitz said. "Our assessment is that any increase in costs is likely to be small, but it's the easiest way for insurers to comply with a new loss ratio."

GOOD MONDAY MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. Looks like it's still Zappe hour.

TODAY — Gov. Charlie Baker, Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, House Speaker Ron Mariano and Senate President Karen Spilka hold a leadership meeting at 12:30 p.m. at the State House. Baker and Polito kick off STEM Week at Northeastern University at 10 a.m. Polito visits Burncoat High School at 3 p.m. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu attends a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Edwards McCarthy Playground in Charlestown at 10:30 a.m. The Charles River Regional Chamber hosts a debate between state Sen. Becca Rausch and state Rep. Shawn Dooley at 1 p.m. Rep. Seth Moulton hosts a town hall at 6 p.m. at Newburyport City Hall.

Tips? Scoops? Campaign mailers? Email them to me: lkashinsky@politico.com .

BALLOT BATTLES

— FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: Lawrence Police Chief Roy Vasque touts law enforcement support for the law granting undocumented immigrants access to driver's licenses in a new ad from the "Yes for Safer Roads" committee. Voters will decide through ballot Question 4 whether to keep, a "yes" vote, or reject, a "no" vote, the Work and Family Mobility Act passed earlier this year. Yes for Safer Roads is backing the ad with a $593,000 buy on broadcast, streaming and digital services, building on a $500,000 buy for its first ad.

— "Millionaires tax debate pivots on who, exactly, would end up paying new levy," by Matt Stout, Boston Globe: "A November ballot proposal that would raise taxes on the state's wealthiest has turned, to a degree, on a seemingly contradictory query: Would the very richest among us actually be the ones shouldering the new costs? … At the dispute's center is the prospect of many so-called one-time millionaires — the small business owner or retiree finally selling their company or home — suddenly eating a higher tax bill, all because of a measure being touted as a way to make our tax system fairer. How many taxpayers would fall into that category can't be known, and data vary wildly."

A message from Delta Dental of Massachusetts:

Did you know the key to good health is right under your nose? Delta Dental of Massachusetts is helping communities across the state improve their oral health and understand that a healthy smile is a powerful thing. Your mouth is the window to better overall health and happiness – open wide and let your dentist help protect you from health conditions like depression and cardiovascular disease. Discover the connection between oral and overall health at ExpressYourHealthMA.org.

YAHD SIGNS AND BUMPAH STICKAHS

— "Public sector unions backing DiZoglio for auditor," by Bruce Mohl, CommonWealth Magazine: "Public sector unions are playing a huge financial role in the auditor campaign of state Sen. Diana DiZoglio, who if elected has promised to be a voice for labor in the office. According to campaign finance records, union organizations donated $15,450 directly to her campaign from May through September, or nearly 8 percent of the $197,089 she raised. … The Commonwealth for All super PAC, which was formed in mid-May, spent $582,000 on digital advertising supporting DiZoglio's campaign so far in August and September. A Massachusetts Teachers Association super PAC spent another $50,000 on her behalf."

— WATCH: DiZoglio on WCVB's "On the Record" lay out her plan for a quarterly review of tax revenues to ensure the state is better prepared for triggering Chapter 62F in the future and having to again return money to taxpayers.

— ALSO WATCH: DiZoglio and Republican rival Anthony Amore spar on WBZ's "Keller @ Large" in their sole televised debate.

— "More than 1 million mail-in ballots requested in Mass. so far," by Alison Kuznitz, MassLive: "Secretary of State Bill Galvin's office tallied 1,019,684 vote-by-mail applications as of Friday morning — translating to 21.1% of Massachusetts voters, spokeswoman Deb O'Malley told MassLive."

— "State Senate candidate from Lakeville charged with open and gross lewdness," by Frank Mulligan, Standard-Times: "Russell T. Protentis, 67, who is running against Democratic incumbent Michael J. Rodrigues, is alleged to have exposed himself at the Hanson YMCA during an evening swim. He has denied the charges to police."

— "Healey has touted her record on opioid settlements. What does that mean for how she'd govern?," by Felice J. Freyer, Boston Globe: "As attorney general, Maura Healey made a name for herself with her aggressive and successful pursuit of the pharmaceutical companies blamed for triggering the opioid crisis. ... But others worry about how, as governor, she would confront a vast, complex and ongoing crisis with few obvious villains. Opioid-related overdose deaths continue to claim more than 2,000 lives each year in Massachusetts. And while easy access to painkillers may have set off the opioid crisis, prescription drugs are no longer a major factor."

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ROE FALLOUT

— "Demonstrators for and against abortion square off at rallies Saturday," by John Hilliard and Matt Yan, Boston Globe: "Hundreds of men protesting women's abortion rights marched Saturday from Planned Parenthood in Boston to the State House, where they faced off with a phalanx of counter-demonstrators who tried to drown them out while demanding protections for reproductive health care. The Men's March, which set off from Planned Parenthood's clinic on Commonwealth Avenue following an hour-long protest outside its doors, drew participants from across the state and included a rally at the State House with families."

MIGRANTS IN MASSACHUSETTS

— "'We're all dispersed.' Migrants sent to Martha's Vineyard have now settled throughout Eastern Mass.," by Mike Damiano, Boston Globe: "They left Venezuela months ago and traversed Central America on bus, train, and foot. Then, famously, they flew to Martha's Vineyard on private planes and ferried to the mainland to stay, for a time, on a military base. Now, the Martha's Vineyard migrants are achieving some semblance of stability, or at least striving to do so. Forty-seven of them have found housing in Massachusetts — in Lowell, Brockton, Stoughton, Provincetown, and other towns on Cape Cod, according to Iván Espinoza-Madrigal, the head of Lawyers for Civil Rights. Four have even returned to Martha's Vineyard, where the group first landed on Sept. 14, according to Rachel Self, a lawyer on the island who has assisted the migrants since their arrival. (Two of the 49 migrants have moved to New York.)"

— "Documents show top DeSantis officials were personally involved in Martha's Vineyard flights," by Matt Dixon, POLITICO.

VAX-ACHUSETTS

— "Long COVID took their health. Then it took their money," by Dana Gerber, Boston Globe: "Melissa Hamre's nursing career seemingly was abruptly put on hold in March 2020, when she contracted COVID-19 while working at the Holyoke Soldiers' Home. She was one of hundreds infected in the facility's devastating outbreak. She survived, but was soon racked with a cascading series of symptoms: debilitating fatigue, digestive issues, inflammation. … Long COVID is not only having a profound impact on the health and financial stability of patients, but on the US economy as well, adding to the nation's already acute labor shortage. … Yet little is happening on the policy front to bring financial relief to patients."

A message from Delta Dental of Massachusetts:

FROM THE HUB

— "Boston, nonprofits giving out drug pipes, tourniquets, 'cookers' on Mass and Cass," by Sean Philip Cotter, Boston Herald: "The Boston Public Health Commission and other Mass-and-Cass-area institutions are giving out pipes for smoking crack and meth in addition to an array of other paraphernalia. That includes 'cookers' and tourniquets in an attempt to engage with more people on the street — though neighborhood advocates say this is just adding to the open-air drug market and the ensuing dangerous litter."

— "Marty Walsh returns to Boston, speaks on the future of work and education," by Jadiann Thompson, WHDH.

PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES

— "Warren calls for new leadership 'top to bottom' at T," by Bruce Mohl, CommonWealth Magazine: "Sen. Elizabeth Warren called for 'new leadership from top to bottom' at the MBTA at a hearing in Boston on Friday where she and Sen. Ed Markey grilled MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak about safety problems, communication glitches, and poor management at the transit authority. The federal oversight hearing didn't break new ground in terms of safety issues or ways to address them, but the two senators bluntly told Poftak and Matthew Nelson, the chair of the Department of Public Utilities, that they were failing MBTA riders."

— "The MBTA is pitching South Coast Rail benefits to voters. Not everyone is on board," by Dan Medeiros, Herald News: "Before any MBTA trains pick up passengers in Fall River, the city must elect to join the MBTA service area through popular vote on November's ballot. In recent weeks, confusion and apprehension have spread about the repercussions of such a vote, and several residents voiced concerns before a small crowd in the Morton Middle School auditorium — about a third of a mile from the new Fall River Depot station on Davol Street."

— "MBTA ridership levels nearing pandemic-era highs after fall boost," by Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald: "The MBTA reported a boost in post-Labor Day ridership, bringing levels to among their highest rates since March 2020, when widespread pandemic shutdowns began. The bump was driven by students and office workers returning to classes and in-person work this fall, and more frequent use of the commuter rail and buses during the Orange Line shutdown."

FROM THE DELEGATION

— "U.S. Rep. Richard Neal says Democrats have a 'decent shot' to keep the House," by Matt Martinez, Berkshire Eagle: "U.S. Rep. Richard Neal said Friday he has high hopes that Democrats will maintain control of the House of Representatives. He refrained from commenting on the prospective criminal prosecution of former President Donald Trump after the House's Jan. 6 committee voted unanimously Thursday to subpoena him. … If Republicans take control of the House in the next session, Neal would no longer serve as chairman of Ways and Means. He is running for re-election himself on Nov. 8 and faces off against Republican Dean Martilli of West Springfield."

IT'S NOT EASY BEING GREEN

— "These communities want to lower residents' electric bills — and carbon emissions. Here's what's stopping them," by Sabrina Shankman, Boston Globe: "After a series of powerful nor'easters pounded its shores and flooded its streets in recent years, the oceanfront town of Scituate decided it needed to do everything in its power to push back against the planet-warming forces driving such destructive weather. Near the top of its list: greening its electricity supply to move away from fossil fuels. Fortunately, there was a state-sanctioned program that does just that — and can even slash residents' electricity bills in the bargain. Grass-roots leaders scrambled to earn support across the community, completed the application, and in February 2020 sent it off for approval by the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities. And that's where it sat. For two and a half years."

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MARIJUANA IN MASSACHUSETTS

— "Cannabis regulators confirm agency was told quickly of worker's death," by Shira Schoenberg, CommonWealth Magazine: "The staff at the state Cannabis Control Commission was notified of cannabis cultivation worker Lorna McMurrey's death within days of when it occurred, agency officials said Friday night, despite earlier statements by two commissioners who said they learned of her death from the media. The commission also said it had already been investigating conditions at the Holyoke facility at the time of her death."

THE LOCAL ANGLE

— "Prosecutors review cases involving Woburn police officer linked to white supremacist rally," by Deborah Becker, WBUR: "Middlesex County prosecutors say they're reviewing every criminal case involving a Woburn police officer who allegedly helped plan a deadly white supremacist rally in Virginia five years ago. Woburn officials placed officer John Donnelly on leave Thursday when they announced an internal investigation. They said Donnelly could lose his job if the allegations are substantiated."

— "Oasis for climate refugees? Worcester mulls prospect of welcoming future's displaced," by Henry Schwan, Telegram & Gazette: "Many climate scientists say Ian is the latest example of storms that will arrive with more frequency and destructive force. Some wonder whether communities destroyed by storms like Ian should be rebuilt. What if the same coastal areas are destroyed again? And again? If they're not rebuilt, where will those residents go? And are the places they move to able to absorb them? Those questions have relevance in Worcester, because the city could become a 'climate refuge city.' The term is in the Green Worcester Plan that the City Council approved last year. The plan sets an ambitious goal: Worcester will become one of the most climate-resilient midsized cities in the U.S. by 2050."

— "Barnstable vault still out of order, but Nov. 8 ballots will be secure," by Heather McCarron, Cape Cod Times: "When it comes to getting prepared for the Nov. 8 state election, one could say Barnstable Town Clerk Ann Quirk has it down lock, stock and vault. With the main vault at Town Hall still out of order after it failed to disengage on primary election day last month, locking all the ballots inside and delaying voting, she's putting a backup plan into play. Well, a backup vault."

— "Classes canceled in Mass. cities of Haverhill, Malden with teachers strikes expected," by Ted Wayman and Emily Maher, WCVB: "School officials in Haverhill and Malden have canceled classes on Monday with teachers strikes expected to start in both Massachusetts cities. … In their contract negotiations, Haverhill and Malden educators have said they are seeking higher pay, smaller class sizes and safer school environments."

A message from Delta Dental of Massachusetts:

Delta Dental of Massachusetts connects with communities statewide to highlight the importance of oral health. Your oral health is a key predictor of overall health — with direct links to diabetes, heart disease, mental health, and other medical conditions. So, this fall, remind your loved ones – and yourself – to show your mouth some love. Get back to the dentist and remember to practice at-home preventive oral health habits like brushing and flossing regularly. Because the key to good health is right under your nose. Discover the connection between oral and overall health at ExpressYourHealthMA.org.

HEARD 'ROUND THE BUBBLAH

REWIND — I joined former MassGOP Chair Jennifer Nassour and GBH's Adam Reilly on "Talking Politics" to discuss what the auditor's race means for the future of the state GOP.

WEEKEND WEDDING — "Robert Kraft marries Dana Blumberg in star-studded surprise wedding," by Ian Mohr and Leah Bitsky, Page Six. SPOTTED: Tom Brady. NOT SPOTTED: Gisele Bundchen.

SPOTTED — at the official dedication of the Norfolk Superior Courthouse as the William D. Delahunt Courthouse on Sunday: Climate envoy John Kerry, former Gov. Michael Dukakis and House Speaker Ron Mariano, who were among the speakers; Sen. Ed Markey, Reps. Stephen Lynch, Jim McGovern and Bill Keating; former Sen. Paul Kirk, former Reps. Joe Kennedy III and Chet Atkins, UMass President Marty Meehan, former AG Frank Bellotti; AG candidate Andrea Campbell; Frank Phillips, former Newton Mayor Setti Warren, Warren Tolman, New Balance's Jim Davis and former Braintree Mayor Joe Sullivan.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY — to retired Amherst state Rep. Ellen Story and Marcus Gadson. Happy belated birthday to GOP LG candidate Leah Cole Allen, who turned 34 on Saturday, and to Stu Loeser, who also celebrated Saturday.

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