FALL RIVER MAYOR PULLS OFF A WIN — EDUCATION REPORT looks at Boston and Lawrence —Should the HOUSE use NDAs?

Mar 13, 2019

GOOD MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS.

FALL RIVER STUNNER — Nobody's having a better morning than Jasiel Correia. The Fall River Mayor was recalled and reelected in a remarkable turn of events last night. Correia was indicted last fall for allegedly using money invested in his app SnoOwl to buy adult entertainment and a Mercedes.

In a twist, Fall River voters gave their mayor the nod — and the axe — in yesterday's election. More than 60 percent of voters chose to recall Correia, but the sitting mayor was able to beat opponent Paul Coogan by around 300 votes in the mayoral race on the same ballot. And if that's not enough, get ready for a rematch this fall. The mayor will be back on the ballot in September for a regularly-scheduled election. The Fall River Herald has plenty more. Link.

FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: REPORT STUDIES BOSTON AND LAWRENCE SCHOOLS — As Beacon Hill gears up for months of debate over how the state should overhaul its education funding system, a new report out today from the Massachusetts chapter of the think-tank Education Reform Now Advocacy studies student outcomes in Lawrence and Boston school districts. Boston spends 36 percent more per pupil than Lawrence, but graduated Hispanic and high-needs students at lower rates in recent years, according to the report, titled "Money, Mediocrity, and Making Change."

Many of the changes made in Lawrence Public Schools over the last several years are credited to former state receiver Jeffrey Riley, who supervised the district starting in 2012 and now serves as the state's commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education.

"Since 2010 in particular, the state has taken it upon themselves to ensure that local districts are performing adequately and spending money well," said Liam Kerr, state director for the Democrats for Education Reform political action committee, which supports charter schools. "As we're approaching a pretty big and important couple of months of debate on what the role of the state in education should be, from funding to performance, that people learn more about this tale of two cities."

Lawrence's high school graduation rate increased from 47 percent in 2010 to 72 percent in 2018, the report found, and the school system's dropout rate decreased from 9 percent to 3 percent during that time. Despite spending less per student, Lawrence graduated Hispanic students at a rate of 72 percent in 2017, while Boston's graduation rate was 69 percent for that population, according to the report.

The report points to Lawrence extending learning time , replacing principals, reducing the central office and "nonprofit and charter school operators" running schools and programs as reasons for the shift. Education Reform Now will hold a lunch with policymakers from Boston and Lawrence on April 3.

Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for the Playbook? Get in touch: smurray@politico.com.

TODAY — Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito chairs a meeting of the Governor's Council. House Speaker Robert DeLeo travels to Florida for his annual spring training visit. Billionaire Tom Steyer is in Agawam for a Need to Impeach town hall. The House meets in formal session. Senate Democrats meet in caucus.

Lawrence Mayor Dan Rivera, AT&T New England President Patricia Jacobs and OneGoal's Patty Diaz-Andrade visit classrooms at Lawrence High School. Student workers rally against sexual harassment at Harvard. Advocates come to the State House for theBrian Donaghue Simpson Opioid Awareness advocacy day.

Boston Mayor Marty Walsh speaks at the Amory Street redevelopment launch, attends the unveiling of the BCYF Roslindale gym and is a guest on WBZ. Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo is a guest on WGBH's "Greater Boston." State Sen. Joseph Boncore and Director of Transportation for Massachusetts Chris Dempsey talk transportation with WGBH's Bob Seay at the Boston Public Library and on Facebook Live.

DATELINE BEACON HILL

- "DeLeo: 'Everything and anything' on table in transportation debate," by Colin A. Young, State House News Service: "Opening the door for a near-term debate over transportation and transportation financing on Beacon Hill, House Speaker Robert DeLeo told the Massachusetts business community Tuesday morning that he is open to tax hikes or just about any other prescription to address the state's critical needs — but he first wants to know what businesses will support."

- "Senator accuses DeLeo of propagandizing non-disclosure debate," by Andy Metzger, CommonWealth Magazine: "BEACON HILL INFIGHTING over non-disclosure agreements isn't going away, as Sen. Diana DiZoglio accused House Speaker Robert DeLeo of using "propaganda" to manipulate the debate while the speaker's office obliquely critiqued the Senate's decision to completely ban the legal instruments. Non-disclosure agreements, or NDAs, are legally binding confidentiality agreements that can be used in the world of business to preserve trade secrets but have also recently been employed by alleged sexual predators such as Harvey Weinstein because they can buy the silence of those wronged."

- "DeLEO PLANS $2 MIL EFFORT TO PROMOTE RESTAURANTS," by Colin A. Young, State House News Service: "House Speaker Robert DeLeo is a competitive man and said he likes to remind people around the country of Massachusetts's "top tier status." But there's one aspect of Massachusetts that DeLeo thinks isn't getting the recognition it deserves -- the state's restaurants. While business leaders ate a breakfast of eggs and toast at the Seaport Hotel on Tuesday, DeLeo announced that the House plans this year to devote $2 million in new Office of Travel and Tourism funding to 'help promote our restaurants and encourage farms and food purveyors to find a global audience.'"

- "Report: Switch to cashless welfare not feasible," by Christian M. Wade, Eagle-Tribune: "Converting to a cashless system for administering welfare benefits might help crack down on public assistance fraud, but the move isn't economically feasible, according to a new report. The report by the state Department of Transitional Assistance, which oversees the welfare system, said prohibiting cash withdrawals using electronic benefits transfer cards wasn't justified because of the high cost to the state of going cashless and the lack of flexibility it would create for welfare recipients who need cash to get basic necessities."

- "Massachusetts legislators mull gas tax indexing," by Alexi Cohan, Boston Herald: "Legislators are eyeing the hotly debated issue of gas tax indexing, which made its way to the surface during a Chamber of Commerce breakfast Tuesday. Gas tax indexing, previously considered as a way to generate funding for transportation, would change the flat 24 cent tax on gasoline and instead tie the rate to inflation. The tax would be dependent on the Consumer Price Index and would increase by a few pennies each year. Voters favored a ballot initiative to repeal indexing in 2014, but they could soon be voting again."

- "Gov. Baker Joins Researchers, Advocates To Discuss Gun Violence," by Wilder Fleming, WBUR: "Gov. Charlie Baker joined other law and policy makers, researchers and gun control advocates Monday night at WBUR's CitySpace to discuss gun violence. The connections between gun laws, gun ownership and gun violence were among the many topics."

- "Pot bills rolling in on Beacon Hill," by Mary Markos, Boston Herald: "A barrage of bills before the state's Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy has renewed fears the Bay State is not ready to handle drugged drivers and comes as lobbying on pot regulation continues to climb. Some of the proposed legislation — hiking the legal age to buy weed to 25, capping potency and allowing drivers to refuse to take a roadside weed test — has pot proponents and doubters facing off anew."

- "FRESHMAN LAWMAKERS SAY MBTA BOARD NEEDS RIDER REPRESENTATION," by Chris Lisinski, State House News Service: "One day after the MBTA's oversight board voted to approve a set of fare increases, a duo of lawmakers who opposed the plan filed legislation to add two seats to the board that they say will bring a more rider-oriented perspective. The Fiscal and Management Control Board voted 4-0 Monday in favor of fare hikes for subway and commuter-rail trips averaging a 5.8 percent increase, with board member Monica Tibbits-Nutt abstaining. In response, Sen. Becca Rausch and Rep. Maria Robinson announced a bill Tuesday to expand the board."

FROM THE HUB

- "In this chat room, Boston's black millennials build a community," by Jeneé Osterheldt, Boston Globe: "If you are under 35, black, and moving to Boston, there is a digital welcome wagon: Boston's Young, Black and Social, a chat room on Groupme. On any given day, a new person joins the frank and friendly conversation of over 2,500 members. Some are looking for housing recommendations. Others want to meet for drinks. Lists of black doctors, therapists, and hairstylists are in the chat. An entertainment calendar keeps everyone plugged into the latest concerts, club nights, panels, and seminars. Convos span everything from R. Kelly to Elizabeth Warren."

- "Bar owners eye safety tactics after abductions," by Danny McDonald, Boston Globe: "After two women were abducted from Boston nightspots, one of whom was found dead days later in Delaware, more than 200 people packed a South Boston union hall Tuesday afternoon to discuss patron safety. Police Commissioner William G. Gross invited the owners of bars and clubs and other liquor license holders to the meeting to discuss best practices, safety strategies, and other steps to foster secure environments."

- "MBTA Fare Hike Could Make Traffic Worse, Transportation Advocate Says," by Joe Mathieu, WGBH News: "The MBTA has approved a nearly 6 percent fare hike. The increase will effect subway and commuter rail trains starting July 1. State transportation officials say it's the cost of doing business, but even some MBTA board members say it's time for lawmakers to get involved and raise new revenue to fund public transportation in Massachusetts."

- "Pine St. pitches permanent housing complex for homeless," by Tim Logan, Boston Globe: "The Pine Street Inn and a leading developer of affordable housing are planning to build what would be Boston's largest complex of permanent supportive housing for homeless people, on Washington Street in Jamaica Plain. Pine Street and its partners have begun talking with neighborhood groups about a 225-unit apartment building near the corner of Washington and Green streets. The complex — to be built on the site of a warehouse and office building the nonprofit already owns — would include 140 studio apartments for people who have been homeless, 85 units of low-to-moderate-income rental housing, and office space for Pine Street and other uses."

- "Latinos projected to to make up 15 percent of Mass. population by 2035," by Annika Hom, Boston Globe: "The Latino population has been growing for years in Massachusetts. Now a new report, by the Mauricio Gastón Institute at UMass Boston, projects that Latinos will comprise 15 percent of the state's population by 2035. Phillip Granberry, the senior researcher of the report, attributes the trend to higher fertility rates rather than international migration."

DAY IN COURT

- "Feds bust up 'side door' route into college," by Andy Metzger, Sarah Betancourt and Michael Jonas, CommonWealth Magazine:"WITH A SLEW OF CHARGES that struck at the integrity of one of the key ladders to success, US Attorney Andrew Lelling on Tuesday attempted to break up a college admissions scam fueled by millions of dollars in bribes paid by wealthy, well-connected individuals from the worlds of business and entertainment. Dozens of people across the country were arrested on Tuesday morning, according to Lelling's office, which accused 33 parents and 13 others of participating in criminal schemes to secure admission for college applicants by bribing coaches and administrators and helping applicants cheat on standardized tests."

- "4 fast food chains to end use of 'no-poach' agreements," Standard-Times: "In a multistate settlement with a coalition of 14 attorneys general led by Attorney General Maura Healey, four national fast food franchisors will cease using "no-poach" agreements, which restrict the right of fast food workers to move from one franchise to another within the same restaurant chain. The agreements with Dunkin', Arby's, Five Guys, and Little Caesars settle an investigation announced by the states in July 2018 over concerns that no-poach agreements hurt low-wage workers by limiting their ability to secure better paying jobs."

WARREN REPORT

- "One-on-One with Elizabeth Warren," by Ross Douthat, Michelle Goldberg and David Leonhardt: The New York Times: "This week on "The Argument," Senator Elizabeth Warren sits down with David Leonhardt for an interview about her 2020 presidential campaign. The Massachusetts senator talks antitrust policy, her proposed wealth tax and universal child care program, and how to run against President Trump. But if that's too much political wonkery for you, there's a very good boy named Bailey who loves ear scratches in there, too."

- "Warren, other senators call for FAA to ground Boeing 737 Max jets," by Matt Rocheleau, Boston Globe: "US political leaders as well as a union representing tens of thousands of flight attendants are calling on the Federal Aviation Administration to ground a new version of the Boeing 737 jetliner that has come under scrutiny after two crashes in five months that killed everyone on board each time. A growing list of countries, including Britain, France, Australia, and China, as well as individual airlines across the world have already temporarily grounded their 737 Max 8s."

DATELINE D.C.

- "Mass. Democrats pan President Donald Trump's budget proposal," by Shannon Young, Springfield Republican: "Members of Massachusetts' congressional delegation took issue this week with President Donald Trump's newly unveiled $4.7 trillion budget plan for 2020, arguing that its proposed border wall spending and cuts to domestic programs offer a "very clear picture of where (his) values lie." Massachusetts Democrats criticized the president's call for a 9 percent cut to programs that support nutrition assistance, pre-school grants and job training; billions of dollars in reductions to Medicare and Medicaid spending and proposed repeal of the Affordable Care Act."

MARIJUANA IN MASSACHUSETTS

- "Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission hears calls for less red tape, lower-cost products," by Peter Goonan, Springfield Republican: "The state Cannabis Control Commission heard pleas Tuesday to reduce red tape and fees for new businesses, expand opportunities for minorities and women, and reduce product costs. The five-member commission conducted a listening session at Western New England University Blake Law Center's Moot Court Room as it weighs potential revisions to current marijuana regulations."

TRUMPACHUSETTS

- "Michael Bennett says Bill Belichick is the 'Yoda of football' — but wants to talk to him about Trump," by Nik DeCosta-Klipa:"Michael Bennett has no plans to stop standing up for the causes he believes in. The newly acquired New England Patriots defensive end told ESPN that he has a lot of respect for Bill Belichick and is excited to play with Tom Brady. However, he is also looking forward to talking to both men about their support for President Donald Trump."

MOULTON MATTERS

- "US Rep. Seth Moulton wants to abolish the electoral college, Senate filibuster," by Shannon Young, Springfield Republican:"U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton, a Salem Democrat and possible 2020 White House contender, called Tuesday for scrapping the electoral college and Senate filibuster, arguing that they have hurt America's political system. Moulton made his case for abolishing the use of the electoral college in determining the outcome of presidential elections, as well as the Senate filibuster — a parliamentary tactic that can prevent votes on certain bills -- in an afternoon Washington Post op-ed."

ABOVE THE FOLD

— Herald: "CHEAT ELITE," — Globe: "Pine St. Inn part of bid to house needy permanently," "The high prices of admission."

THE LOCAL ANGLE

- "Fall River recalls its mayor ... and then re-elects him," Fall River Herald: "Voters recalled and re-elected Mayor Jasiel Correia II on Tuesday, according to unofficial election results, meaning the federally indicted mayor will remain in office as he pivots to winning over voters who wanted him out. According to unofficial election results, 61 percent of voters recalled Correia (7,829 to 4,911). The recall election was called after federal prosecutors in October indicted Correia on nine counts of wire fraud and four counts of tax fraud."

- "Six Months After Gas Fires, Lawrence Mayor Says Lack of Accountability Means It Could Happen Again," by Craig LeMoult, WGBH News: "This week marks six months since natural gas fires and explosions erupted across Lawrence, Andover and North Andover. In many ways, those communities are still dealing with the impact of the disaster."

TRANSITIONS - Lynn Mayor Tom McGee of Lynn and Bedford Town Manager Sarah Stanton were elected co-chairs of the Commuter Rail Communities Coalition.

DID THE HOME TEAM WIN? No! The Blue Jackets beat the Bruins 7-4.

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