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GOOD MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS.
IMPEACHMENT GROUP PUTS PRESSURE ON NEAL — Billionaire Tom Steyer was back in Massachusetts last night for a town hall in Agawam. The event, held by the Need to Impeach PAC he bankrolls, was his latest effort to push Rep. Richard Neal to get the ball rolling on getting President Donald Trump out of office.
Steyer spoke to more than 100 people at the Chez Josef banquet hall, fielding questions about how — and why — Trump should be impeached. And because we were in civically engaged Western Mass, several people in the crowd interrupted Steyer to clarify the details around impeachment procedure.
Steyer set up shop in Neal's Western Mass district because, as chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, the Springfield congressman has the power to subpoena Trump's tax returns. Steyer is also targeting other powerful committee chairs who could play key roles in Trump's impeachment.
Neal is reportedly preparing a case to request Trump's tax returns, and says he's working slowly to ensure the request holds up in the likely event the White House fights it and the case ends up in court. Steyer doesn't buy that reasoning. "I could formulate this request in about two and-a-half days," Steyer told reporters after the event. "It doesn't take two and-a-half months."
A Need to Impeach organizer said the group plans to deliver an impeachment petition with 90,000 constituent signatures to Neal's Springfield office next week while the congressman is working in the district. The group also asked attendees to fill out a sheet and commit to joining Need to Impeach organizers in downtown Springfield on Monday, Wednesday or Friday of next week to canvass and write postcards to Neal.
As for putting up a primary challenger against Neal next year, Steyer said "we have not considered that." Instead, he says Need to Impeach is focused on showing Neal that his constituents broadly support impeaching Trump.
Steyer also had harsh words for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi,who said recently that Trump is not worth impeaching. The billionaire feels quite different, pledging $40 million of his own money to Need to Impeach this year. He made a six-figure television ad buy in Neal's district and hired paid staff.
"To be honest, I don't know what the words 'He isn't worth it' means. It isn't a question about Mr. Trump. It's a question about the system, the rule of law, holding everybody accountable, standing up for America," Steyer said to reporters. "That doesn't make any sense to me."
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TODAY — Gov. Charlie Baker announces a campaign to educate cannabis users about the dangers of impaired driving. Baker, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh, Sen. Nick Collins and Rep. David Biele attend the South Boston Boys and Girls Club St. Patrick's Day Luncheon. Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito attends a Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association meeting, and attends events in Springfield and Northampton.
House Speaker Robert DeLeo travels to Florida for his annual spring training visit. Rep. Joe Kennedy III is a guest on WGBH's "Boston Public Radio." Former ambassadors Rufus Gifford, Robert Cushman Barber and Alan Solomont are guests on WGBH's "Boston Public Radio."
Walsh attends the Irish American Partnership St. Patrick's Day breakfast. Baker and Lowell Mayor William Samaras, Lowell City Manager Eileen Donoghue, state Sen. Ed Kennedy, state Rep. Thomas Golden, state Rep. David Nangle and state Rep. Rady Mom attend Lowell's 32nd Annual St. Patrick's Day Dinner. State Sen. Eric Lesser speaks at a NewDEAL forum at UMass Boston. Former lawmakers Bill Delahunt, Barney Frank and Michael Capuano speak to the New England Council.
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 | DATELINE BEACON HILL |
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- "Lawmaker is cleared after accusation of grabbing colleague," by Matt Stout, Boston Globe: "State Representative Paul McMurtry was cleared Wednesday by an ad hoc committee of state lawmakers that investigated allegations that he grabbed the backside of an incoming legislator during a legislative gathering late last year, concluding that if any contact occurred, it was not intentional. The findings, detailed in a 17-page executive summary House officials made public Wednesday, wrapped up a months-long investigation into the Dedham Democrat that included an outside consultant, House Counsel James Kennedy, and a committee of state representatives whose names were not made public."
- "On Climate, Does Gov. Baker Deserve An 'A' — Or An 'Incomplete'?" by Adam Reilly, WGBH News: "Charlie Baker's trip to Washington to talk climate change earlier this year was a story with an irresistible plot: Here was a Republican governor, urging members of his own party to grapple with a threat some of them still don't believe exists. "In Massachusetts, climate change is not a partisan issue," Baker told the House National Resources Committee in February. "While we sometimes disagree on specific policies, we understand the science and know the impacts are real because we're experiencing them firsthand." Soon after, Baker's D.C. visit was cited in a story published by E&E News, a website focused on energy and the environment, which suggested Baker might actually be America's strongest climate governor."
- "Hemp is a new opportunity for Massachusetts farmers -- but current state law is locking them out," by Shira Schoenberg, Springfield Republican: "Growing hemp is now legal in Massachusetts, and in the United States. But many Massachusetts farmers still cannot grow hemp due to a barrier posed by state law relating to the definition of agricultural land. Lawmakers are considering whether to change that law through a provision that could emerge soon for a final vote."
- "147-8: Mass. House Overwhelmingly Votes To Ban Conversion Therapy For Minors," by Chris Lisinski, State House News Service: "The Massachusetts House overwhelmingly passed a bill Wednesday to ban the practice of conversion therapy for minors, renewing an effort that lawmakers failed to complete last summer. By a vote of 147-8, the House approved legislation (H 140) that prevents state-licensed therapists from attempting to change a minor's sexual orientation or gender identity. Proponents argued the practice, which has been outlawed in 14 other states and in the District of Columbia, is abusive and has been scientifically debunked."
- "HEARING "FAIRLY SOON" ON HOUSING BILL, HONAN SAYS," by Katie Lannan, State House News Service: "The co-chair of the Housing Committee is eyeing a hearing "fairly soon" on Gov. Charlie Baker's zoning reform bill and wants to work to address reservations some have with the bill. Rep. Kevin Honan, a Brighton Democrat, said after speaking at a recent public housing lobby day that the timeline around housing bills — including when one might come to the floor for a vote -- remains uncertain."
- "AG's office settles with nursing homes," by Christian M. Wade, The Daily News: "Beaumont, which is operated by Salmon Health and Retirement, is one of seven nursing homes named Wednesday in a statewide investigation by Attorney General Maura Healey's office that found they neglected elderly patients and provided substandard care that led to injuries and deaths. The settlements included $500,000 in fines and other sanctions. Healey said the multiyear investigation revealed that the facilities "had systemic failures that led to significant harm and in some cases death to residents." "Every senior deserves quality care, and every family deserves to know their loved one is safe choosing a long-term care facility," Healey told reporters."
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| FROM THE HUB |
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- "Boston investigators had different case, then college scheme came up," by Milton J. Valencia and Shelley Murphy, Boston Globe: "It started, improbably, with a securities fraud investigation out of Boston, a so-called pump-and-dump stock scam that extended overseas. FBI agents and federal prosecutors quickly homed in on a financial executive, according to several people familiar with the case, who said he was willing to cooperate with authorities. He also offered investigators a tantalizing tip, one entirely unrelated to stock prices — a Yale University women's soccer coach had asked him for a bribe to help get his daughter admitted into the elite school."
- "Dozens of people are vying to be next Boston school superintendent," by James Vaznis, Boston Globe: "The search for a new leader of the Boston Public Schools has attracted more than three dozen candidates, including 12 superintendents, according to information released Wednesday. The 39 candidates who have submitted resumes or other materials for consideration also include a dozen other administrators who have held senior school-district leadership positions, according to data requested by the Globe that offers the first glimpse of who might be interested in the post."
- "Students interrupt WBUR gun violence event," by Sarah Betancourt, CommonWealth Magazine: ""I APPRECIATE EVERY LEGISLATOR and law enforcement in the room, but none of you dodge bullets for a living." That was said by a parent at WBUR's CitySpace on Monday evening when a group of student activists interrupted a high-profile forum touting the strides Massachusetts has made in gun policy. High school students from Dorchester and Roxbury said the panel discussion wasn't addressing their concerns."
- "State watchdog points to insulin spending as health care cost driver," by Jessica Bartlett, Boston Business Journal: "Insulin spending in Massachusetts skyrocketed 50 percent in just three years, according to a new state study, an example of the state's continued issues around drug spending increases and health care affordability. The Health Policy Commission analysis was released Wednesday during a hearing, as the independent agency seeks to establish a benchmark for Massachusetts health care spending growth next year.
- "Electric scooters will come to Brookline this spring," by Adam Vaccaro, Boston Globe: " It will be the summer of scooters in Brookline. Town officials on Tuesday gave final approval to a pilot program that will begin as soon as April 1, allowing the California-based companies Bird and Lime to rent 200 electric scooters. The program, which will last until at least the fall, marks the first municipal approval in Massachusetts for an emerging mode of transportation that is already popular in cities such as San Francisco and Washington, D.C."
- "ACLU seeks informations on Boston Police Department's ICE task force," by Trea Lavery, The Bay State Banner: "A 2017 arrest has prompted the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts to look into the Boston Police Department to determine the extent to which officers are working with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The ACLU filed a public records request last week with the BPD regarding the March 2017 arrest by ICE of Jose Martin Paz Flores, a construction worker at Tara Construction, Inc. after he was injured on the job and filed for workers' compensation. Flores was arrested after Boston Police Sergeant Gregory Gallagher, who is assigned to the department's ICE Task Force, became involved in the case."
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| DAY IN COURT |
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- "Teen's killer gets parole hearing under SJC ruling," by Christian M. Wade, Gloucester Daily Times: "Richard Baldwin, convicted of brutally beating a Groveland teenager to death with a baseball bat more than 27 years ago, is up for parole. Baldwin, formerly of Peabody, was convicted of murdering Beth Brodie, a 15-year-old cheerleader at Pentucket Regional High School, in 1992. Baldwin, who was 16 at the time, was sentenced to life in prison without parole two years later but became eligible for release along with dozens of other inmates under a controversial December 2013 ruling by the state Supreme Judicial Court."
- "Healey joins Trump emergency declaration challenge," by Sarah Betancourt, CommonWealth Magazine: "ATTORNEY GENERAL MAURA HEALEY on Wednesday joined a multi-state lawsuit challenging President Donald Trump's declaration of a national emergency at the southern border, saying the declaration jeopardizes significant federal funding for the state. Healey joined a coalition of 20 state attorneys general by signing on to an amended complaint filed by the California Attorney General's office."
- "Boston spotlight awaits stars charged in college exam scam," by Laurel J. Sweet, Boston Herald: "Several Hollywood and Las Vegas heavy hitters charged in connection with an unprecedented college admissions scandal have been ordered to appear in Boston's federal district court later this month. Actress Felicity Huffman, 56, a 2006 Academy Award nominee and Emmy winner for her work on "Desperate Housewives," as well as fashion designer Mossimo Giannulli, 55, are scheduled to make Massachusetts appearances March 29."
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| WARREN REPORT |
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- "Warren breaks with Biden, says Pence is 'not an honorable person,'" by Rebecca Morin, POLITICO: "Sen. Elizabeth Warren said Wednesday that Vice President Mike Pence is "not an honorable person," a sharply different characterization than the one former Vice President Joe Biden offered last month. During an interview on MSNBC's "Morning Joe," Warren (D-Mass.) responded with a flat "no" when asked whether she believed Pence is an honorable man, slamming his historic opposition to same-sex marriage and other gay rights issues."
- "Warren's affordable housing bill is now backed by Ayanna Pressley and Rashida Tlaib," by Victoria McGrane, Boston Globe:"Senator Elizabeth Warren is reintroducing her ambitious legislation to create millions of new affordable housing units and help tackle ongoing housing segregation and the yawning wealth gap between white and black Americans. And, this time around, the presidential aspirant has more noteworthy new supporters for the bill. Representative Ayanna Pressley, one of the most prominent freshmen in Washington, is among the new backers of Warren's American Housing and Economic Mobility Act, which is also being introduced Wednesday in the House by a group led by former Congressional Black Caucus chairman Cedric Richmond, whose district includes most of New Orleans."
- "4 things to know about how — and if — Elizabeth Warren's plan to break up the tech giants would work," by Nik DeCosta-Klipa, Boston.com: "Sen. Elizabeth Warren has come out with another bold policy idea. The Massachusetts senator and 2020 Democratic presidential candidate released a plan last Friday to break up "Big Tech" companies in order to "restore the balance of power in our democracy, to promote competition, and to ensure that the next generation of technology innovation is as vibrant as the last." In the days since she unveiled the proposal, the plan has made waves from South by Southwest to Facebook's platform itself — dividing experts along the way."
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| MARIJUANA IN MASSACHUSETTS |
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- "Medical marijuana dispensary reopens after shutdown over product labeling, security," by Naomi Martin, Boston Globe: "A medical marijuana dispensary in Acton announced it would reopen Wednesday, five weeks after being closed over security and labeling violations. Mass Wellspring said it had "worked diligently" to update its policies to comply with the Cannabis Control Commission's new regulations. An unannounced inspection last month revealed violations such as unsecured marijuana in patient areas, a back door lacking a security alarm, and labels that didn't state the products' origins or whether they were lab-tested."
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| MOULTON MATTERS |
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- "Massachusetts Rep. Seth Moulton will travel to Iowa as he considers 2020 run," by Brianne Pfannenstiel, Des Moines Register: "Massachusetts U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton will travel to Iowa later this month to meet with Democratic activists and leaders as he considers a run for president. Moulton, a Democrat, told BuzzFeed News that he's weighing a possible 2020 run. Moulton will hold at least one public event during his trip: a roundtable discussion March 29 with fellow veterans at 2 p.m. at the University of Iowa Law School, according to his press secretary, Matt Corridoni."
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| ABOVE THE FOLD |
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— Herald: "CLEARED," Globe: "US grounds troubled 737 model," "39 seek to take helm of Boston schools," "How the side door worked." |
| ALL ABOARD |
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| THE LOCAL ANGLE |
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- "Under Pressure: Inside the Merrimack Valley Gas Explosions," by Rachel Slade, Boston Magazine: "On the afternoon of September 13, 2018, Leonel Rondon's father picked him up from school and proudly drove him to the Lawrence RMV. An hour later, the lanky 18-year-old with almond-shaped eyes and thick black hair was beaming as he held his driver's license in his hand. He was one step closer to becoming the responsible man his immigrant parents wanted him to be. Miguel and his wife, Rosaly, had moved to the United States from the Dominican Republic during the 1990s, worked hard, and raised three kids. Today was another milestone, another American rite of passage. With his license, their oldest son could get a job, drive to church events, and shuttle around Rihanny, his sister's toddler, whom he adored as if she were his own."
- "The day after: Correia back to work, avoiding questions," by Jo C. Goode, Fall River Herald: " Jasiel Correia II was back at work Wednesday, the morning after he was recalled and then elected. But he hurried by a group of media waiting for the mayor's comment. Press and television media waited outside Correia's sixth floor office at Government Center when he emerged from a stairwell at 9:45 a.m. and hurried by the group into the mayor's office. A little more than 61 percent of 13,798 voters on Tuesday opted to recall Correia, 27, who is in his second term as mayor."
HAPPY BIRTHDAY - to state Rep. Shaunna O'Connell and Gus Bickford, chair of the Massachusetts Democrats.
DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS - House Speaker Robert DeLeo heads to Florida for his annual spring training visit today, not yesterday.
Want to make an impact? POLITICO Massachusetts has a variety of solutions available for partners looking to reach and activate the most influential people in the Bay State. Have a petition you want signed? A cause you're promoting? Seeking to increase brand awareness among this key audience? Share your message with our influential readers to foster engagement and drive action. Contact Jesse Shapiro to find out how: jshapiro@politico.com.
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