MASSterList: Wynn on Walsh: 'Obviously irresponsible' | New drug reg bill threatens biotech | Sanctuary state idea a 'disaster'?

 

Tuesday, August 11, 2015

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By George Donnelly (@geodonnelly) with Keith Regan

Here's what's up today It's a presidential candidate kind of day. Sen. Rand Paul is speaking at St. Anselm College in Manchester, NH, 8 am, then goes on the radio (WGBH's Boston Public Radio) with Jim Braude and Margery Eagan at noon. Also at noon, Suffolk University Political Research Center releases results of a poll of the 2016 Iowa Republican presidential caucus. The poll will gauge potential Republican caucus-goers on their candidate preferences and their reaction to the Fox News Republican presidential primary debate last Thursday night....The Lawrence City Council debates the Trust Act Ordinance, which would prohibit the use of municipal resources to enforce federal immigration law, Lawrence City Hall, 200 Common St., Lawrence, 6:30 pm. For a full schedule of political events, go to the State House News Service's daily schedule: http://statehousenews.com/schedule/tuesday  Drug price bill: Is innovation at risk? Massachusetts Biotechnology Council president Bob Coughlin has his work cut out for him as a new bill designed to limit some drug prices is under consideration on Beacon Hill. The bill would compel drug companies to justify their prices by disclosing marketing, R&D, and production costs. It would be, of course, the kind of regulation the Boston region's booming biotech industry would vigorously hate. The legislative/regulatory effort is only natural, as consumers face growing drug prices and some treatments are sky-high, like Vertex's recently approved cystic fibrosis drug, priced at $259,000 per year, as the Globe's Rob Weissman reports today. But does the Legislature really want to regulate prices (and thus some of the incentive to innovate) in the largest, most prosperous and successful biotech cluster in the world? A law limiting prices will help some consumers, but doesn't account for the drugs that won't be created because the risk -- including failing FDA drug trials -- isn't worth the reward. Here's Weissman's story: http://bit.ly/1DHU7hS Like, LA would seem to have no problem with making a financial guarantee It is a study in contrasts: Boston convulses over the idea of a taxpayer guarantee for Olympic costs overruns; Los Angeles shrugs its shoulders. The Globe reports LA is close to getting the nod from the US Olympic Committee to be the candidate for the 2024 games. LA mayor Eric Garcetti is confident the Games would produce a profit, given the infrastructure already in place. http://bit.ly/1f4FnOl   Wynn on Walsh: 'The man is obviously irresponsible' Casino mogul Steve Wynn unloads on Marty Walsh in Joan Vennochi's must-read column today. The money quote: "I've had enough of him. I can't negotiate with him. The man is obviously irresponsible." Wynn repeated his threat to sue Walsh for defamation relating to allegations the city has made in its suit challenging the awarding of the Everett casino license. As the Globe columnist makes clear, Wynn is aggrieved. http://bit.ly/1gvVtBN   Ballot petition mania You're probably aware of some ballot petition efforts, such as legalizing marijuana and expanding charter schools. But there are many, many more, as MassLive's Shira Schoenberg reports. Citizens have submitted 35 ballot petitions to the AG's office, including on paid parental leave, preventing cruelty to farm animals, and eliminating the tax on tobacco products. As Schoenberg notes, only a small percentage of ballot proposals actually make it to the ballot. http://bit.ly/1JSGsG0   Lessig for president? Harvard professor and campaign finance reform advocate Larry Lessig is considering a run for president, saying the influence of money in politics is the most important issue of our time. Of course, Lessig needs to raise a certain amount of money himself in order to run. Boston Magazine's Garrett Quinn has the scoop: http://bit.ly/1PiukOO Station privatization stalls at start  An effort to privatize Back Bay Station has stalled coming out of the gate, the Globe reports, with the state having to step in to make up financial shortfalls. Under an agreement finalized in the waning days of the Patrick administration, Boston Properties won the right to develop the air rights above the station in exchange for managing and renovating the station to the tune of $32 million. Changes have already been made to the lease, the Globe says -- while noting that Banker & Tradesman first reported the story -- with the Department of Transportation now agreeing to pay for a $464,000 shortfall in expected rent income from vendors and agreeing to pay for extraordinary repair costs to structural deficiencies in the building. Paul Regan, executive director of the MBTA Advisory Board, tells the Globe the timing of the payments to cover the gaps is less than ideal. "The MBTA's ability to spend capital dollars on things like real estate assets is going to be really stretched," Regan said. "They just added close to $100 million in capital spending to get ready for next winter. That naturally pushes other spending out." http://bit.ly/1IVQQHP  Too close for comfort?  Boston leaders appear to be at odds over whether residents filming police activity should be legally required to keep their distance from cops, the Herald reports. A day after Police Commissioner William Evans called for legislation to give police officers room to do their work without interference from a growing army of citizen-videographers, Mayor Marty Walsh told the tabloid he sees problems with the idea. "I think it's going to be hard to legislate that. It's going to be very hard," Walsh said. Evans, who has also expressed concerns about outfitting Boston officers with body cameras, does have the support of the Massachusetts Police Association, however, with president Kevin Sullivan saying: "We back him 100 percent." http://bit.ly/1L3Crjq  Sanctuary state idea called "disaster"  As it awaits action by the legislature, a bill that would spread the protections that so-called sanctuary cities offer to undocumented immigrants is already taking its lumps. Gov. Baker has already come out against the move and now, the Lowell Sun says, many lawmakers seem to agree the proposal from Rep. Byron Rushing of Boston, which would prohibit police from alerting immigration officials in certain instances and ensure access for immigrants to education and other public benefits, is a bad idea. Rep. Jim Miceli said sanctuary cities and other policies that shield immigrants are "a disaster" and could pose national security risks. "We've got to do everything we can to secure this country," Miceli told the Sun. "We've just got to do a lot better job of protecting the citizens of this country." http://bit.ly/1gvNuEL  How to reach me and MASSterList Nothing makes me happier than comments, tips, suggestions. Also, opinion articles also will be considered. Please don't hesitate to weigh in on what we're missing and where we should look. Reach me at gdonnelly@massterlist.com or on Twitter @geodonnelly. TODAY'S TOP STORIES National headlines  LA reportedly may offer USOC guarantee on overruns for 2024 Games - The Boston Globe Clinton proposes $350 billion college affordability plan - The Boston Globe State headlines  Deal to privatize Back Bay MBTA station off to rough start - The Boston Globe State lawmakers, backed by consumers and health plans, seek to rein in prescription drug costs - The Boston Globe Some Market Basket prices rise more than other groceries - The Boston Globe Sanctuary proposal a 'disaster'? - Lowell Sun Online With Polito at the helm, seaport council to focus on state's coastline Gov. Charlie Baker takes on 'Ice Bucket Challenge' wearing 'Free Brady' T-shirt Mass. bill would force drugmakers to defend prices Murray's legal defense fund has attracted $17,500 in donations - The Boston Globe Mayor, commish at odds over distance limits Activists working to live broadcast police actions How Do Cell Phone Videos Affect Community Policing? Local headlines  Mayor Mitchell to make campaign announcement Tuesday State: New Bedford schools on the right track; progress being made Overdoses spike in Lowell, Dracut Andover will seek two in heroin fight Plans again moving forward for medical marijuana dispensary in Mashpee Political Notes: GOP challenges Azzato fundraising Councilor: Brockton police staffing study could cut brass, add rank and file Worcester candidate: Konnie Lukes cites independent streak in City Council bid Miguel Soto announces sticker write-in campaign for mayor of Springfield Councilors want first-responders on needle disposal Former mayor of Attleboro dies in bus accident - The Boston Globe Number 2 in city's homicide unit demoted - The Boston Globe