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GOOD MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. Is your snowblower ready?
EXCLUSIVE: CARBON TAX WITH A TWIST — As we cross the first deadline of this legislative session — bill filing day — education funding and climate change have emerged as top issues. The challenge, of course, is how to get them done.
But Lexington state Sen. Michael Barrett has an idea to kill two birds with one stone: Why not direct some of the money generated by carbon pricing to fund education? A draft of Barrett's carbon tax bill circulated to various environmental groups, viewed by POLITICO, would disburse 30 percent of money in a "carbon pricing trust fund" to education aid for cities and towns. Sixty percent of the money would go to the state transportation fund, 5 percent would go to a new environmental health and justice trust fund, and 5 percent would go toward electric vehicles, Barrett said.
"There is no question that the effort in the House needs a little bit of help. We have a serious problem with equitable school funding, we lack for major new sources of revenue. The solution lies in small contributions coming from multiple sources. Carbon pricing is not going to throw up megabucks, but the revenue stream can be part of ensuring that poor kids have a fair amount of resources. Nothing wrong with that," Barrett said. "Let the conversation begin."
Barrett's bill, "An Act to combat climate change," is based on legislation that was filed last session. Changes this time around, according to the draft, include language that provides the price on carbon emissions from transportation would rise to $60 per metric ton, and if officials opt for a "revenue positive" pricing approach like cap and trade, nearly a third of that money would be directed to education funding.
The somewhat unusual proposal is a gamble that energy behind education funding could give this carbon pricing effort a leg up in negotiations. But to direct money to education, the proposal funnels some funding away from reinvestment in renewable energy and climate mitigation. Andrew Gordon, legislative director of climate advocacy 350Mass, told me channeling some of the carbon pricing money toward education isn't exactly the strategy he'd take, but he's set on getting a bill passed this session.
Gordon said there's support for state Rep. Jennifer Benson's carbon pricing bill that would use around 80 percent of the money on income-based rebates, and remaining funds would be put in a green infrastructure fund administered by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center.
"Because we are dealing with a carbon price, you need to make sure that you're actually addressing a shift away from the status quo, which is why we're even charging the price in the first place," Gordon said. "I see where Sen. Barrett is coming from, I see the strategy he's working with and I'm just looking forward to getting something across the finish line that is equitable and really advances our climate goals."
NEW LAWMAKERS WANT NEW COMPLAINTS PROCESS — In the wake of allegations of inappropriate conduct against a state legislator that surfaced yesterday, first-year lawmakers Northampton state Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa and Needham state Sen. Becca Rausch filed a bill that aims to change the way Beacon Hill handles workplace harassment complaints.
"An Act promoting equality and respect in the legislature," would create an independent commission to investigate sexual misconduct complaints and "intersectional, identity-based discrimination" and report any findings. The commission would provide a formal complaint process for State House employees who experience or see workplace harassment. The bill was filed by state Sen. Jamie Eldridge last session, who is a cosponsor of the bill this session, according to Rausch's office.
"The building is a unique place with its own complexities and power structures," Sabadosa told me yesterday. "You need someone on the outside to make sure people feel comfortable coming forward to report issues."
Dedham state Rep. Paul McMurtry was accused of inappropriately grabbing an incoming lawmaker at an event for new legislators at UMass Amherst late last year, according to a Boston Globe report. House Speaker Robert DeLeo told reporters yesterday his office followed proper investigative protocol, and his office said an ad hoc committee will decide whether to discipline a member. The paper did not disclose the name of the incoming lawmaker who accused McMurtry of misconduct, and he denies the allegations.
The allegations drew attention on Beacon Hill yesterday , and they come just ahead of the third annual Women's March. We're at the halfway point of President Donald Trump's first term, which sparked the initial protest, nearly two years into the #MeToo movement, and Rausch and Sabadosa say it's time to address a culture of sexual harassment many say exists at the State House.
Sabadosa was a statewide coordinator for the Women's March in 2017 , and she worked to help people get to the marches in Washington, Boston and Northampton. After organizing in the Pioneer Valley and working on advocacy issues with late state Rep. Peter Kocot, she decided to run for his seat after he passed away.
This weekend, she plans to talk about the issue of poverty at the Northampton march. But as allegations of misconduct at the State House grabbed headlines, Sabadosa said conversations around misconduct and the #MeToo movement are certain to come up.
"You can't have a Women's March without saying assault and harassment are things that happen every single day. We still live in a patriarchal culture where it's part of what we deal with," Sabadosa said.
Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for the Playbook? Get in touch: smurray@politico.com.
TODAY — Sen. Elizabeth Warren holds an organizing event in Claremont, N.H. Sen. Ed Markey holds a press conference at Logan Airport to address the ongoing government shutdown. Gov. Charlie Baker unveils a climate resiliency and mitigation program at the Massachusetts Municipal Association Annual Meeting and Trade show with Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, also attended by state Senate President Karen Spilka.
Polito attends the Massachusetts Municipal Association Women Elected Municipal Officials Leadership Luncheon. Baker and Politohold a ceremonial bill signing for "An Act Establishing the Massachusetts Code of Military Justice" with Massachusetts National Guard Adjutant General Gary Keefe, state Sen. Mike Rush, stateRep. Hank Naughton and state Rep. Donald Wong.
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 | DATELINE BEACON HILL |
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- "DeLeo defends handling of 'inappropriate conduct' claims," by Matt Stout, Boston Globe: "House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo defended his handling of claims of 'inappropriate conduct' against a state lawmaker Thursday as the Legislature, less than a year removed from a prolonged ethics probe into one of its leading figures, lurched back into the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. Speaking briefly to reporters at the State House, DeLeo said he 'acted accordingly' and within House rules amid allegations that Representative Paul McMurtry, then a member of his leadership team, grabbed the backside of a newly elected legislator during an orientation event for incoming lawmakers last month ."
- "Here's how the state's sports betting proposal breaks new ground," by Andy Rosen, Boston Globe: "Governor Charlie Baker on Thursday proposed legalizing sports gambling in the state, presenting a plan that would allow fans to bet on games at casinos or on their smartphones. Baker's plan comes as several other states have also moved to permit sports wagering in the wake of a US Supreme Court decision last year that allowed betting on football, basketball, and other games to expand widely beyond Nevada. In New England, Rhode Island has already begun allowing sports books at its two casinos."
- "Lawmakers push repeal of health care fees," by Christian M. Wade, Gloucester Daily Times: "Republican lawmakers are pushing for a repeal of fees charged to companies that aren't providing health insurance to a majority of their workers. Business leaders say the assessments unfairly punish companies for the decisions of workers who sign up for insurance through MassHealth, the state's Medicaid program. Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr has filed a bill that would scrap the fees retroactively from Jan. 1 and require the state to reimburse companies for money collected this year.
- "New Bill Would Eliminate Parental Consent Laws For Minors Seeking Abortion In Mass." by Miriam Wasser, WBUR: "A new bill in the Massachusetts Legislature could make it easier for minors to get an abortion. The bill, An Act to Remove Obstacles and Expand Abortion Access, known as the ROE Act, does many things, but front and center is a provision to eliminate the need for parental consent. Under current Massachusetts law, minors need a parent's permission to get an abortion. If that's not possible, or if a teen doesn't want to ask a parent, she can petition a judge, a process known as judicial bypass."
- "Former Beacon Hill lawmaker Jim Lyons elected Mass. GOP chairman," by Danny McDonald, Boston Globe: "Jim Lyons, a former state representative from Andover, was elected chairman of the Massachusetts Republican Party Thursday night. Lyons, who succeeds Kirsten Hughes, said in a statement he was 'humbled by the trust placed in me by my fellow members of the Massachusetts Republican State Committee, and look forward to working with them in the years ahead to grow and unify our Party and secure victory in 2020.'"
- "Mass. lawmakers take another swing at patent trolls," by Jon Chesto, Boston Globe: "Can Eric Lesser finally become the Troll Slayer of Beacon Hill? The state senator came close to earning this honor last summer by guiding a bill to the finish line that would crack down on 'patent trolls' — only to watch it die with a swipe of Governor Charlie Baker's proverbial veto pen. Now, Lesser is back in the ring to take another swing. He just submitted anti-troll legislation, in time for Friday's bill-filing deadline for the new two-year session, as he resumes a legislative fight against people who use patent demand letters to bully tech firms large and small into paying up."
- "Massachusetts food stamps recipients will get February benefits early due to government shutdown," by Shira Schoenberg, Springfield Republican: "Most Massachusetts food stamps recipients will receive their February benefits early due to the partial government shutdown. State officials are cautioning recipients to budget wisely, since those benefits will have to last for the entire month. According to the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance, 93 percent of households that receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits will have their February benefits loaded onto their electronic benefit cards by Jan. 20, instead of at the beginning of February."
- "SHACK OFFERED TO RESIGN OVER IT PROJECT DIFFERENCES," by Colin A. Young, State House News Service:"Amid a donnybrook late last year over who would get to design and implement computer systems that touch all state agencies and affect all state employees, Comptroller Thomas Shack offered to resign as the state's independent fiscal watchdog if it meant the computer system upgrade project would get done."
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| FROM THE HUB |
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- "The Valedictorians Project," by Malcolm Gay, Meghan E. Irons and Eric Moskowitz, Boston Globe: "These Boston high school valedictorians set off to change the world. But good grades only got them so far."
- "Former city councilor tells of plans for marijuana business," by Dan Adams, Boston Globe: "At a community meeting in Mattapan Thursday night, former city councilor Tito Jackson laid out his vision for a community-centric marijuana store that would bring new jobs and wealth to a neighborhood once ravaged by high rates of arrest for marijuana crimes. Jackson, a former six-year councilor who ran unsuccessfully for mayor of Boston in 2017, is the chief executive of cannabis firm Verdant Medical, which is seeking approval to open a hybrid medical dispensary-recreational pot shop on Blue Hill Avenue in Mattapan Square."
- "Walsh announces $28 million Boston Common renovation plan," by Amanda Kaufman, Boston Globe: "Mayor Martin J. Walsh, the Boston Parks and Recreation department, and Friends of the Public Garden announced a $28 million master plan to renovate the Boston Common. The funding comes from the sale of the city's Winthrop Square garage, and will be used to support investments in the maintenance and activities of the park, the mayor's office said in a statement."
- NEVER LEAVING MY HOUSE AGAIN: "Your city street may soon turn into a grocery aisle," by Hiawatha Bray, Boston Globe:"Quincy-based supermarket chain Stop & Shop said it will send remote-controlled mobile grocery stores rolling through the streets of Greater Boston this spring. Just one problem: It may not be legal."
- "Questions Linger About Mass. Pike Rebuild Design Concept," by Gabrielle Emanuel, WGBH News: "The Massachusetts Department of Transportation is rebuilding a key section of the Massachusetts Turnpike in Allston, and after much debate, they've selected a design concept for the $1.1 billion project. Many stakeholders have said they like what they see, but it's the stuff that's missing that has them concerned. Every day, around 150,000 drivers on the Mass. Pike make a sweeping arc at the Allston interchange around an abandoned rail yard."
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| WARREN REPORT |
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- "Warren to visit Puerto Rico as administration considers diverting hurricane funds to border wall," by MJ Lee, CNN: "Sen. Elizabeth Warren is planning to travel to Puerto Rico next week, marking her first visit to the Caribbean island as a presidential hopeful at a moment of heightened political sensitivity around a Trump administration proposal to divert hurricane relief funding for the island toward the controversial border wall. The Massachusetts Democrat, who announced on New Year's Eve that she is exploring a run for president, is scheduled to hold an event in San Juan on Tuesday evening, according to three sources familiar with her planning."
- "On the Trail: Steyer beats Trump impeachment drum across N.H." by Paul Steinhauser, Concord Monitor: "Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts returns to New Hampshire on Friday. And the location is interesting. Claremont borders Vermont, home of independent Sen. Bernie Sanders, who is seriously mulling a second straight bid for the Democratic nomination. If Sanders does launch a campaign, he and Warren would be battling for the increasingly influential progressive vote in New Hampshire."
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| TRUMPACHUSETTS |
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- "'GODDAMN WALL' KNOCKED AT SHUTDOWN RALLY," by Katie Lannan, State House News Service: "State lawmakers and union heads joined furloughed federal workers Thursday outside the State House, where ralliers called for an end to the longest government shutdown in American history and aired their frustrations with President Trump. On the 27th day of the shutdown that stems from an impasse over border security funding, Rep. Paul Brodeur urged workers to call the White House, Massachusetts AFL-CIO President Steven Tolman led the crowd in a chant of 'Furlough Donald Trump' and Treasurer Deborah Goldberg said the president is 'holding workers hostage.'"
- "Alex Cora is thinking twice about visiting the White House," by Peter Abraham, Boston Globe: "Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Thursday he is reconsidering his decision to visit the White House next month out of concern for his native Puerto Rico. 'Right now I can say yes,' Cora said. 'It might change tomorrow.' In December, when the Red Sox accepted an invitation from the Trump administration, Cora said he would use the opportunity to represent Puerto Rico in a respectful fashion."
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| FROM THE DELEGATION |
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- "LYNCH EYEING FEDERAL HEARING IN WEYMOUTH ON GAS PROJECT," by Michael P. Norton, State House News Service: "As opponents of a natural gas project in Weymouth mull their next moves, the congressman who represents the area most directly affected by the Enbridge Energy project is hoping to hold a federal hearing in the city. Gov. Charlie Baker's administration on Friday approved air quality permits for the project, with a spokesman citing a health impact statement and saying anticipated emissions from the project 'would meet all applicable standards and guidelines, and would not directly cause adverse health effects to the community.'"
- "Meet the Most Corporate PAC-Reliant Reps in Congress," by Donald Shaw, Sludge: "Despite the energy around rejecting corporate PACs, many representatives have chosen to stick by their corporate donors and rely on their generosity to finance their campaigns. The representatives who rely most heavily on corporate PAC contributions tend to receive very little funding from small donors and individuals, and they also tend to be powerful incumbents who have positions in party leadership and hold top roles onimportant committees."
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| KENNEDY COMPOUND |
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- "Congressmen Cleaver, Kennedy make friendly wager on Chiefs, Patriots game," by Karra Small, Fox 4 KC: "Reps. Emanuel Cleaver and Joe Kennedy III have made a friendly wager on the outcome of the Chiefs and Patriots game. Thursday afternoon, Cleaver tweeted that he's 'looking forward' to watching the Chiefs 'dismantle the Patriots.' He tagged the Massachusetts' representative in the tweet. Kennedy, who represents Massachusetts's 4th Congressional District, wasted no time responding by bringing up quarterback Tom Brady's playoff record. He was confident enough to bet a bowl of New England clam chowder on a Patriots victory."
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| ABOVE THE FOLD |
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— Herald: "ROLE REVERSAL," "AIR FORCE NONE!" — Globe :"After challenge, Trump grounds Pelosi," "Baker calls for legal betting on sports," "BOSTON THEN NOW" |
| BEHIND THE TOFU CURTAIN |
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- "After Hampshire College: Here's Why More Small Colleges Are Feeling Squeezed," by Max Larkin, WBUR: "Should Massachusetts brace for a small-college crunch? Hampshire College announced Tuesday that, in response to what its president called 'bruising' financial and demographic trends, it will seek a 'strategic partnership' to carry it into the future. College officials are still weighing whether or not to admit a freshman class for next year. Hampshire may be the most prominent school in the state to declare that it's seeking a new path, but it's not the only one.
- "Shutesbury man, Amherst schools battle in federal court over lead amounts in student drinking water," by Patrick Johnson, Springfield Republican: "As with the Rime of the Ancient Mariner, Michael Hootstein sees water everywhere but not a drop is fit to drink. Hootstein, of Shutesbury, is a retired hydrologist who has custodial care of two grandchildren who attend Amherst public schools. For more than two years, he has argued that the drinking water available for Amherst students is so unsafe from lead contamination that teachers and staff will not drink it."
HAPPY BIRTHDAY - to former Sen. Paul Kirk, who is 81.
DID THE HOME TEAM WIN? Yes! The Bruins beat the Blues 5-2.
FRESH OUT OF THE GATE — THE LATEST HORSE RACE PODCAST EPISODE: Amidst the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, Steve Koczela and Jennifer Smith chat with Congresswoman Katherine Clark of Massachusetts' 5th congressional district, who is co-sponsoring a bill aimed at protecting federal workers from such hardships as eviction, foreclosure and loan default. POLITICO reporter Stephanie Murray joins to discuss Elizabeth Warren's recent trip to New Hampshire and chats through how she stacks up against other recently announced candidates for the presidency. Listen on Soundcloud.
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