POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: PEOPLE’S PLEDGE saga continues — ROLLINS grilled on BC suicide case — CHILD CARE aid falls short

PEOPLE’S PLEDGE saga continues — ROLLINS grilled on BC suicide case — CHILD CARE aid falls short

BY STEPHANIE MURRAY GOOD MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. I hope you had a great holiday! KENNEDY, LISS-RIORDAN TO SIGN PEOPLE'S PLEDGE — Senate candidates Rep. Joe Kennedy III and attorney Shannon Liss-Riordan plan to sign a so-called People's Pledge this afternoon to limit outside spending in the race for Sen. Ed Markey's seat. But there will be one person missing at the ceremony today: the incumbent. Kennedy and Liss-Riordan say they are moving forward with the pledge after waiting for Markey to come on board. The two challengers had planned a pledge-signing ceremony in November but canceled it to accommodate Markey, who said he needed to be in Washington, D.C. for votes on the day it was scheduled. "After multiple attempts to include the Markey campaign in a signing ceremony, including a last minute cancellation of an event early last month, the two campaigns decided to move forward and put the onus on the Markey campaign to sign the pledge in the coming days," the joint release from Liss-Riordan and Kennedy said. But Markey's got another idea. The Malden Democrat plans to propose a pledge of his own this morning, his campaign told me. Markey could not attend the signing ceremony today because he needs to be in Washington, his campaign said. Markey's new "People's Pledge 2020" proposal would "say no" to all outside negative advertising in the primary, but would permit "positive voices" like climate and reproductive health advocates to spend money in the race. The nonprofit Environment Massachusetts has said it plans to put together a $5 million campaign to support Markey's reelection. "We do not want to stifle or silence the positive voices that have a right to discuss the issues that matter most to residents of Massachusetts - the reproductive health community, labor unions, environmental and climate advocates, the LGBTQI+ community, among many others," Markey's proposed pledge says. "And these positive voices must disclose their donors so that they are transparent. We need these positive, engaged, and active voices in our political debate in 2020." The People's Pledge dust-up is one of several challenges the Senate candidates have posed to one another — typically these challenges are designed to highlight one's own strengths or point out a rival's flaws. Markey invited his opponents to a climate debate, which Liss-Riordan accepted and Kennedy skipped. Kennedy called on his competitors to agree to a People's Pledge, and Liss-Riordan is calling for a $6 million spending cap for candidates in the race. FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: AUCHINCLOSS' NEW PLAN — Congressional candidate Jake Auchincloss is releasing a two-part transportation plan today that calls for passing the Green New Deal and putting more federal, state and local resources into trains and buses to ease traffic congestion and pollution. "Climate change is our planet's biggest problem. Transportation is the biggest problem for Massachusetts, and the 4th District in particular. And because the transportation sector is the state's largest emitter of carbon pollution—driving roughly 40% of total emissions—the two are inextricably linked," the plan says. Auchincloss is running to replace Rep. Joe Kennedy III. Six Democratic candidates have jumped in the 4th District House race since Kennedy launched a campaign against Sen. Ed Markey, and a seventh Democrat is considering a bid. The plan proposes building a zero-emissions, statewide rail service that is available 24 hours a day. Auchincloss also suggests putting resources behind the South Coast rail project to connect Taunton, Fall River and New Bedford to Boston by train. His plan calls for chartering a federal infrastructure bank and designing a high-frequency regional bus network, among other ideas. FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: DONATO GETS A CHALLENGER — State Rep. Paul Donato will face a challenger from his own party next year. Nichole Mossalam, a progressive from Malden, will announce today that she's running against Donato, who is a member of House Speaker Robert DeLeo's leadership team. "Our state legislature has failed to adequately address the challenges that so many people in our communities are facing," Mossalam said in a statement. "On a wide array of issues, we have seen too many legislators follow the Speaker's agenda. We need independent leaders who will put the concerns of our families first." Mossalam's campaign is part of a larger trend in Massachusetts. A number of progressive Democrats have waged primary challenges against incumbents at the local, state and federal level, in recent years, and several are doing so now. Mossalam is chair of Malden's Disability Commission and is former co-chair of Our Revolution Massachusetts, the Bay State offshoot of Bernie Sanders' 2016 presidential campaign. Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for the Playbook? Get in touch: smurray@politico.com. TODAY — Gov. Charlie Baker, Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, Senate President Karen Spilka and House Speaker Robert DeLeo hold a leadership meeting. Baker, Lynn Mayor Thomas McGee, state Sen. Brendan Crighton and state Rep. Lori Ehrlich make a MassWorks announcement in Lynn. Boston Mayor Marty Walsh is in Belfast, Northern Ireland, as part of a sister-city agreement between Boston and Belfast. Rep. Bill Keating speaks at a New England Council breakfast. Lauren Kennedy moderates a talk on childcare at the Kennedy Institute featuring Samantha Aigner-Treworgy, JD Chesloff, Amy O'Leary, and Tania del Rio. DATELINE BEACON HILL - "RMV employees complained of quality, public safety, but 'War on Wait Times' took precedent," by Steph Solis, MassLive.com: "Multiple employees told auditors that the state government's so-called "War on Wait Times" improved customer service but hampered the quality of record-keeping at the Registry of Motor Vehicles and ultimately risked public safety, despite their complaints. Employees at the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, interviewed in the wake of the New Hampshire crash that killed seven motorcyclists, told the auditing firm, Grant Thornton, that their concerns about computer glitches piling up, lack of training on regulations, out-of-state records processing and dwindling resources went unaddressed, according to a 294-page transcript released this week." - "MA lawmakers want rules for electric scooters," by Christian M. Wade, Eagle-Tribune: "Electric scooters are gliding around cities and towns as a cheap, environmentally friendly means of transportation, but the devices are technically illegal under state law. Massachusetts requires that all motorized scooters — whether they be sitting or standing, electric or gas powered — be equipped with brake lights and turning signals like mopeds. Some communities, like Salem, have allowed high-tech companies such as Zagster, Lime and Bird to rent out scooters as part of pilot projects, but there are no statewide rules or guidelines. Lawmakers are considering several proposals to legalize e-scooters by setting rules for how and where they can be used in cities and towns that want them." - "Gov. Baker Signs Bill To Overhaul Campaign Finance Rules," The Associated Press: "Republican Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker has signed into law a bill aimed at overhauling the state's campaign finance rules. The new law requires state lawmakers and some mayoral candidates to adhere to a system that already covers statewide and county officials. Under the new law signed Tuesday by Baker, state lawmakers must report campaign contributions and expenditures in monthly statements filed by their banks." - "Driving is surging in Massachusetts. Gas tax revenue? Not so much," by Adam Vaccaro, Boston Globe: "For public officials around the nation looking to fix beat-up roads and bridges or buy new buses and subway cars, it's one of the most reliable turns in the playbook: Raise the gas tax and watch the money flow in. But as the Massachusetts Legislature prepares to debate a massive fix to the state's beleaguered transportation system — one that could include a stiff increase in the gas tax — they might take note that it may not be such a reliable source of revenue for much longer. Gas tax collections by the state have barely increased over the past five years — just 2.5 percent since fiscal year 2015, the first full year after lawmakers last increased the tax, by 3 cents, to 24 cents a gallon, according to Massachusetts tax collection data." FROM THE HUB - "Draconian state child care assistance leaves too many working poor with debt, advocates say," by Kay Lazar, Boston Globe: "Chanice was so buried in bills in 2017, she took on part-time work at a taxi company in addition to her full-time job answering phones at a Boston community health center in hopes of digging herself out. Still, she staggered under the weight of the copayments she was expected to contribute for state-subsidized child care. With more than $2,100 in overdue child care bills, the young Roxbury mother lost her day care spot for her son. Then she lost her job." - "Q&A: Business coalition backs pro-immigrant legislation," by Sarah Betancourt, CommonWealth Magazine: "THREE YEARS into the presidency of Donald Trump, the main ways immigrants can remain in the country legally - through a protected status or with one of over 160 types of visas - have changed significantly. From new or higher fees, to adjustments in what paperwork must be submitted, to the complete rescinding of some immigration statuses (like Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, which impacts young adult immigrants brought to the country illegally as children), the legal landscape of who can stay and who must go has changed. These changes have had a strong impact on the businesses that employ immigrants. The changes have affected who can retain work authorization to stay on their job, altered what employers must do to keep immigrant employees, and created uncertainty about employees being deported because of a sudden change in federal policy." - "The state's largest employer is changing its name," by Bruce Mohl, CommonWealth Magazine: "PARTNERS HEALTHCARE, the state's dominant health care provider and the largest employer in Massachusetts, is changing its name to Mass General Brigham. The new name shifts the focus of the health care system away from an all-encompassing, corporate title that was created 25 years ago and zeroes in on the company's two world-renowned hospitals - Massachusetts General and Brigham and Women's. In a letter to the company's 75,000 employees, Anne Klibanski, the president and CEO, unveiled a new patient-centered strategy for the health care system." MOULTON MATTERS - "Why supervised drug injection sites make sense," by Rep. Seth Moulton, CommonWealth Magazine: "SINCE 2000, 17,496 citizens of Massachusetts have died from an opioid overdose. Half of those deaths came in the last five years. That's like one of at least 245 communities in the Commonwealth disappearing in 19 years. Enough people in Massachusetts have died from an opioid overdose to fill all but 69 of the seats at the TD Garden for a Bruins game. Nationwide, the Centers for Disease Control estimates 700,000 Americans died from an opioid overdose death in the years spanning 1993-2017. That's more people than live in the entire city of Boston." DAY IN COURT - "Suffolk district attorney defends prosecution in BC suicide in TV interview," by Jeremy C. Fox, Boston Globe: "Suffolk District Attorney Rachael Rollins defended her prosecution of a Boston College student accused of manipulting her boyfriend into suicide and addressed high-profile disagreements with other officials that have marked her first year in office as she spoke in a televised interview Sunday. WCVB's Ed Harding introduced Rollins, who was the first African-American woman elected to be a Massachusetts district attorney, as "Boston's trailblazing prosecutor," on Sunday's "On the Record." But Harding and co-host Janet Wu didn't pull any punches as they questioned Rollins about the Inyoung You case and her public friction with federal, state, and local authorities." - "SJC faces tricky constitutional challenge in indigent defense case," by Michael Jonas, CommonWealth Magazine: "THE STATE'S HIGHEST COURT is wrestling with a case centered on how to guarantee a fundamental constitutional right of the judicial system — the right of criminal defendants, even those too poor to hire a lawyer, to be represented by an attorney. But both sides in the case, as well as the SJC justices who must rule on it, seem to agree that the ultimate solution to the problem doesn't actually rest with the court but instead with the budget-writing powers of the Legislature. That's raising a second constitutional issue — the separation of powers limiting the reach of different branches of government — and presenting a challenge for the court to craft a ruling that upholds one fundamental constitutional principle without overstepping another." WARREN REPORT - "How a fight over health care entangled Elizabeth Warren — and reshaped the Democratic presidential race," by Annie Linskey, Jeff Stein and Dan Balz, Washington Post: "In mid-November, a few dozen of the country's most influential advocates of Medicare-for-all were reviewing details of Sen. Elizabeth Warren's plan to finance the proposed government-run program when they learned that she had unexpectedly changed her position. Warren (D-Mass.), who had excited liberals when she initially embraced a Medicare-for-all idea first proposed by rival presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), was suggesting a more centrist idea: to delay enactment of the single-payer system and, in the interim, give consumers the choice to opt in. The change might have seemed insignificant to most Americans, but to many in the suburban Washington conference room, Warren's new stance marked an abrupt retreat, according to several people in attendance. That moment highlighted the political turbulence that Warren has experienced in recent weeks as she has attempted to extricate herself from a policy dilemma that has blunted her steady rise to the top ranks of the Democratic nominating contest." - "Elizabeth Warren responds to new Pete Buttigieg ad airing in Iowa that criticizes free college tuition for all," by Kim Norvell, Des Moines Register: "In response to a new television ad airing in Iowa, U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren said she wants to provide tuition-free college to every American as "an investment in an entire generation of young people." The senator from Massachusetts was responding to a reporter's question about an ad by South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg that says he will not provide free college tuition to the children of millionaires." IT'S NOT EASY BEING GREEN - "John Kerry: We are way behind on climate change," by Matthew Choi, POLITICO: "Former Secretary of State John Kerry said no country is taking the necessary steps to combat climate change and that the issue should be treated "like a war." "There are great efforts out there, many environmental groups, young people, particularly, but no country is getting the job done," Kerry told NBC's Chuck Todd on Sunday. Kerry's comments on "Meet the Press" came just after the 2004 Democratic presidential nominee launched a bipartisan coalition with lawmakers, world leaders and celebrities to raise awareness of climate issues." - "John Kerry Launches Star-Studded Climate Coalition," by Lisa Friedman, The New York Times: "John Kerry, the former senator and secretary of state, has formed a new bipartisan coalition of world leaders, military brass and Hollywood celebrities to push for public action to combat climate change. The name, World War Zero, is supposed to evoke both the national security threat posed by the earth's warming and the type of wartime mobilization that Mr. Kerry argued would be needed to stop the rise in carbon emissions before 2050. The star-studded group is supposed to win over those skeptical of the policies that would be needed to accomplish that." - "'Forever chemicals' are found in MWRA fertilizer, drawing alarm," by David Abel, Boston Globe: "The sludge arrives by the ton, pumped through miles of underwater pipes from Deer Island to a waste-water treatment plant on the banks of the Weymouth Fore River, where it's spun through centrifuges into a kind of wet cake, dried by large furnaces, and made into fertilizer pellets. Converting much of the region's sewage into a valuable byproduct was a major achievement of the Boston Harbor cleanup. Over the past three decades, the fertilizer has been sold or given away in massive amounts: tens of thousands of tons a year sent to farms and golf courses, parks and gardens across the region." ABOVE THE FOLD — Herald: "SKY FALL," "SLUSH HOUR," — Globe : "Poor workers struggling with child-care debt trap," "Trump's lawyers reject role in hearing." THE LOCAL ANGLE - "Care worker digs: A nursing home owner on the Cape offers housing to his employees," by Robert Weisman, Boston Globe: "Struggling to find workers for his nursing home and assisted living center in this seaside tourist town, Bill Bogdanovich tried a new strategy: Buying properties on the southeastern elbow of Cape Cod to rent to employees. He offered below-market rents to workers, many recruited from off the Cape and as far away as Puerto Rico, who were having trouble finding places to live. He also allowed them to spread the cost of higher winter heating bills over 12 months. A year later, his gambit appears to have paid off: Bogdanovich has been able to hire and retain more workers — the better for his senior housing residents, and for business." - "Where did the money go? Buyers of lucrative state tax credits remain secret," by Paul Leighton, The Salem News: "When Windover Development was converting a former box factory into veterans housing, the state and federal government awarded the company more than $2 million in tax credits through a program designed to encourage historic rehabilitation. More than six years after the Pleasant Street Apartments opened, those tax credits are still generating controversy, including a recent resolution by a Beverly city councilor alleging "manipulation" of the program. For all of the attention the tax credits have received, however, there's still one question that hasn't been answered: Who ultimately cashed in on them?" - "On 50th National Day Of Mourning, Indigenous People In Plymouth Say They're Still Fighting," by Quincy Walters, WBUR: "Hundreds of people gathered in the rain and wind in Plymouth on Thursday to observe the 50th National Day of Mourning. The annual tradition began in order to give Native Americans an opportunity to speak on a holiday they say often negates their experiences. This year, the message was one of continuation: Native Americans are still being lied to, they say, and their lands are still being violated. People from tribes in New York, Louisiana, Canada and Mexico spoke out against pipelines, dams and hydropower stations." TRANSITIONS - Matt Corridoni joins Pete Buttigieg's campaign as deputy rapid response communications director. Corridoni previously worked on Rep. Seth Moulton's campaign and his Serve America PAC. HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY - to Larry Summers and James Sonne , who both celebrated on Saturday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY - to Morgan Hughes. DID THE HOME TEAM WIN? No! The Texans beat the Patriots 28-22. 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.   Follow us on Twitter Stephanie Murray @StephMurr_Jour   Subscribe to the POLITICO Playbook family Playbook  |  Playbook PM  |  California Playbook  |  Florida Playbook  |  Illinois Playbook  |  Massachusetts Playbook  |  New Jersey Playbook  |  New York Playbook  |  Brussels Playbook  |  London Playbook View all our politics and policy newsletters FOLLOW US

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POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: PRESSLEY’S new endorsements — DELEO not going anywhere — ‘GO DIE’ — LYNCH seeks top HOUSE role

PRESSLEY’S new endorsements — DELEO not going anywhere — ‘GO DIE’ — LYNCH seeks top HOUSE role

BY STEPHANIE MURRAY Presented by Bay State Wind GOOD MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. NEW: PRESSLEY'S ENDORSEMENT LIST — Rep. Ayanna Pressley is announcing her support today for several incumbent lawmakers and two political newcomers running for Congress. The irony is hard to miss: when Pressley was a primary challenger just last year, few elected officials here endorsed her congressional campaign. A year later, her backing is highly sought after. The candidates named today are Pressley's first formal endorsements, and the list ranges across the country to include a Democratic primary challenger in Texas, a candidate running to replace Rep. Joe Kennedy III, and several existing House lawmakers. "Each of these leaders has shown a passion for lifting up the voices of the people they represent and, in partnership with community, have been passionate and committed advocates on issues ranging from the right to access reproductive health care to housing justice to the rights of workers, immigrants, and the LGBTQ+ community," Pressley said in a statement. Close to home, Pressley is backing Jesse Mermell, who is among the six Democrats running in the 4th District for Kennedy's seat. Mermell and Pressley are close friends. "Congresswoman Pressley is a force for good, a force for people and a force of nature and I couldn't be more honored to have earned her support in this campaign," Mermell said in a statement. Pressley is also endorsing fellow first-year Massachusetts lawmaker Rep. Lori Trahan, who is facing a likely a rematch from her 2018 Democratic primary rival Dan Koh. Trahan said she is "honored" by the endorsement in a statement, and called Pressley a "champion for hardworking people." Nationally, Pressley is backing California Rep. Barbara Lee, Colorado Rep. Joe Neguse and Oregon Rep. Earl Blumenauer. Additionally, Pressley is endorsing Jessica Cisneros, who is running a Democratic primary campaign to unseat Texas Rep. Henry Cuellar. "I am filled with pride and humility to receive the endorsement of Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, who is one of the most outspoken advocates for the disenfranchised in Congress," Cisneros said in a statement. MCGOVERN PUSHES TO ACKNOWLEDGE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE — Rep. Jim McGovern will manage a resolution acknowledging the Armenian Genocide on the House floor today. It is estimated that 1.5 million Armenians were systemically killed between 1914 and 1923 by the Ottoman Empire, which is now Turkey. The United States government has never fully acknowledged the tragedy, but a resolution that emerged on Monday night from the House Committee on Rules, which McGovern chairs, aims to change that. The move comes at a tense time for U.S.-Turkey relations, but it is also significant for a number of people living in McGovern's home state. Massachusetts has one of the largest Armenian populations in the United States. Boston is behind only Los Angeles and New York when it comes to Armenian residents. Overall, around 25,000 Armenians live in Massachusetts. "This measure is an opportunity for the House to speak loudly and about the Armenian Genocide and finally acknowledge what it actually was: A genocide," McGovern said, during his remarks on the Rules Committee on Monday night. "Although the executive branch has issued proclamations and congress has passed measures over the years on this, none in modern times have actually relayed all the facts and called it what it really was. " "Enough with the euphemisms," McGovern continued. "That lack of acknowledgment has been a black mark on our human rights record. This resolution is our chance to finally change that. All I can say is: It is about time." EXCLUSIVE: RON BELL JOINS MEJIA CAMPAIGN — Boston City Council at-large candidate Julia Mejia's campaign is getting a boost from a former Gov. Deval Patrick administration official today. Ron Bell, who served as Patrick's senior adviser for community affairs, is joining Mejia's campaign as a senior strategist for field operations. Bell's focus will be on getting out the vote and citywide outreach in the home stretch before the Nov. 5 municipal election. "As a community organizer, Julia understands the importance of bringing people together, particularly the Black and Latino community. She will be a strong advocate to help address the economic, political and education gaps that continue to affect these communities that are underrepresented in city government," Bell said in a statement. Bell has been a voting rights activist and community leader for three decades, and founded the "Dunk the Vote" campaign, which has registered 50,000 new voters in Massachusetts over the last 25 years. NEW: BAKER'S GREEN REPORT CARD — Gov. Charlie Baker's performance on energy and environmental issues ranged from an A- to a F, according to a new report released by several environmental groups this morning. Baker's administration received an A- for climate resilience and water, a D- for solid waste and an F for environmental justice, according to the report. The document offered grades for nine issue areas, along with recommendations. The report was put together by the Charles River Watershed Association, Clean Water Action, the Conservation Law Foundation, the Environmental League of Massachusetts, Environment Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Rivers Alliance. 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 announces grants from the Massachusetts Manufacturing Innovation Initiative at Bridgewatear State University. Boston City Council President Andrea Campbell and BPS Superintendent Brenda Cassellius hosts a discussion on Campbell's "Action for Boston Children" plan at the Boston Foundation. The Boston Parks and Recreation Department and the Friends of the Public Garden hold a Boston Common Master Plan meeting. Presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg holds a grassroots fundraiser in Boston. Attorney General Maura Healey speaks on a panel at Harvard Business School. A message from Bay State Wind: Bay State Wind delivers: on our promises, on our timelines and on our commitments. With the combined expertise of Ørsted and Eversource, we will deliver on our promise to bring clean, reliable offshore wind to Massachusetts. More at baystatewind.com   DATELINE BEACON HILL - "Ex-rep: DeLeo told me, vote for transpo bill or lose chairmanship," by Andy Metzger, CommonWealth Magazine: "JAY KAUFMAN, THE former state rep from Lexington, remembers a conversation he had with House Speaker Robert DeLeo the last time the Legislature considered raising taxes to pay for transportation. It was 2013, the morning before the House vote on a bill that would raise the gas tax 3 cents, index that tax to inflation (later rescinded by voters), jack up tobacco taxes, and impose a tax (later jettisoned by lawmakers) on some computer software services. Kaufman, who was the chair of the Revenue Committee, said he didn't think that tax package would provide enough new revenue to meet the transportation system's needs. But he said DeLeo told him that if he voted against the bill he would lose his chairmanship of the Revenue Committee." - "DeLeo Hopes to Extend Run of House Into 2021-2022 Session," by Michael P. Norton, State House News Service: "House Speaker Robert DeLeo, already the state's longest continuously serving speaker, plans to seek re-election in 2020 and to extend his rule in the House in 2021. DeLeo, 69, shared his intentions with the News Service on Monday morning during a brief interview outside his office. "I'm in," said the Winthrop Democrat, who is on track next February to become the longest serving speaker in state history." - "Governor's office gives 'the runaround to people who can't run,'" by Joan Vennochi, Boston Globe: "Around the same time Governor Charlie Baker was delivering a speech about the need for age-friendly, accessible housing, a small band of residents in wheelchairs gathered at the entrance to his State House office suite to draw attention to their own accessibility issues. A velvet rope and two staff aides blocked them from entering the reception area. In the Baker administration, accessibility is more relative theory than absolute gospel." - "Negotiators Named to Hash Out Major Education Bill," by Colin A. Young, State House News Service: "Six lawmakers were named Monday to reconcile the House and Senate approaches to pouring $1.5 billion in new money into the state's K-12 education system over the next seven years and to avoid the pitfalls that imperiled last session's failed attempts to pass similar legislation. Both branches this month used as a starting point a bill that was unveiled by Senate President Karen Spilka and House Speaker Robert DeLeo, and a conference committee will try to hammer out a compromise bill based on the amended bills that cleared both branches with overwhelming support." - "Foxboro legislator's bill would change seat belt law," by Mia Ping-Chieh Chen, Sun Chronicle: "Two bills authorizing police to pull over and ticket drivers if anyone in the car is not wearing a seat belt have reignited a long debate over traffic safety vs. government interference. Under current law, police in Massachusetts can only issue a ticket for a seat belt violation if they pull the driver over for another offense. Under the "secondary enforcement" policy, it is illegal not to wear a seat belt, but that cannot be the reason for police to pull a driver over." THE VAPING SALES BAN - "Gov. Charlie Baker files vaping ban regulations with Secretary of State," by Shira Schoenberg, Springfield Republican: "Gov. Charlie Baker has filed regulations with the Secretary of State to keep his ban on vaping products in place, after a Superior Court judge ordered him to make regulatory changes. "We believe that means that the ban will remain in place," Baker told reporters at the Statehouse. Baker said he hopes the Department of Public Health as well as federal agencies will continue to collect data and provide guidance about what is causing the injuries and deaths associated with vaping." - "State: Ban Costing Mass. Vaping Stores Up To $8M In Sales," by Matt Murphy, State House News Service: "The Baker administration projects that a three-month ban on retail nicotine and marijuana vaping products has the potential to cost private businesses $7 million to $8 million in sales. The estimate was included in paperwork filed with Secretary of State William Galvin's office by the Department of Public Health on Monday. The filing was required to implement an emergency regulation in compliance with a Superior Court judge's order that questioned the way Gov. Charlie Baker implemented his temporary ban on in-state vaping product sales." FROM THE HUB - "Massachusetts study raises concerns gambling addiction among working-class Asian immigrants," by Steph Solis, MassLive.com: "A study released last week raises concerns about the lack of multilingual entertainment and culturally sensitive counseling in Chinatown, suggesting it leaves certain working-class Asian immigrants vulnerable to gambling addiction. The study, led by UMass Boston researcher Carolyn Wong, found that without those resources, a number of low-income Asian immigrants who work long hours and face unresolved stress have come to rely on nearby casinos as their sole source of entertainment and relief. Cheap bus rides from Chinatown, buffet discounts and incentives to play only make the temptation harder to resist." - "Did Amazon just ghost Braintree officials?" by Tim Logan, Boston Globe: "It sounds like Amazon is not coming to Braintree after all. The e-commerce giant is backing out of plans for a "last-mile" distribution center in the South Shore town, said Mayor Joseph Sullivan, even as it pushes ahead with plans for an even-larger such center in Revere. Sullivan said he didn't know why Amazon was scrapping plans for a 250,000-square-foot facility on Campanelli Drive near Braintree High School. He said he received notification last week from its landlord at the Braintree Commerce Center without an explanation. A company spokesman had no immediate comment." PRIMARY SOURCES - "Sen. Ed Markey nabs endorsements from Quincy, Lynn delegations," by Benjamin Kail, MassLive.com: "Sen. Ed Markey of Massachusetts picked up a host of endorsements in his re-election bid on Monday, including the delegations of both Quincy and Lynn. Markey, a longtime congressman before winning his Senate seat in 2013, faces Democratic primary challenges from U.S. Rep. Joe Kennedy and labor attorney Shannon Liss-Riordan. The senator's campaign on Monday said almost a dozen lawmakers from Quincy and Lynn will back Markey." - "Green New Deal Author Returns Fossil Fuel Donations, Highlighting A 'Growing Pain,'" by Alexander C. Kaufman, Huffington Post: "Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.), a Green New Deal co-sponsor, last week returned $46,900 in donations after violating a pledge to reject money from the fossil fuel industry by accepting contributions from lobbyists who worked for oil and gas companies. In the first six months of this year, the senator raised $10,000 from six lobbyists whose clients included oil giants Chevron and BP. His campaign received an additional $5,000 from four lobbyists who worked for fossil fuel companies, according to a third-quarter Federal Election Commission filing released last week."       ALL ABOARD - "Commuter rail group backs big expansion," by Bruce Mohl, CommonWealth Magazine: "A 25-MEMBER ADVISORY GROUP that has been studying the future of commuter rail for the last 18 months presented a fairly united front to state transportation officials on Monday, calling for an electrified regional rail system that offers riders more frequent service throughout the day. T officials had assembled six different options for policymakers to consider, ranging from alternative number one, featuring higher frequency commuter rail provided by diesel locomotives at a price of $1.7 billion in 2020 dollars, to a sixth alternative entitled full transformation, which calls for electrified service at 15 minute intervals on the entire system at an estimated cost of $28.9 billion in 2020 dollars." DAY IN COURT - "DA charges former Boston College student in connection with boyfriend's suicide," by Erin Tiernan, Boston Herald: "A South Korean woman who police say sent her boyfriend more than 780 "manipulative and threatening" text messages a day in the months leading up to his suicide has been charged with manslaughter, according to the Suffolk DA. DA Rachael Rollins said this morning Inyoung You, 21, of South Korea, was being charged with involuntary manslaughter for her role in the death of Alexander Urtula, 22, who leapt to his death from the top of the Renaissance parking garage on May 20 less than two hours before he was supposed to walk in his graduation ceremony from Boston College." WARREN REPORT - "Sen. Elizabeth Warren backs Suffolk DA Rachael Rollins on safe injection sites," by Benjamin Kail, MassLive.com: "A few weeks after Suffolk District Attorney Rachael Rollins pushed Massachusetts lawmakers to back safe injection sites following a Philadelphia federal judge's ruling that they do not violate federal drug law, Sen. Elizabeth Warren told Rollins that the sites could be effective in combating substance abuse." - "Elizabeth Warren's Days Defending Big Corporations," by Stephanie Saul, The New York Times: "Elizabeth Warren had never taken on the federal government before. But in 1995, she found herself up against the Clinton administration, representing the Cleveland-based conglomerate LTV Steel. Even though LTV had sold off its coal mines during the 1980s, a new law required it to contribute to a health fund for retired miners. LTV believed that it should not have to pay. Those claims, the company said, should have been handled as part of its bankruptcy reorganization. Ms. Warren's job was to convince the Supreme Court to hear LTV's case." DATELINE D.C. - "Stephen Lynch to seek House Oversight chairmanship," by Laura Krantz, Boston Globe: "Representative Stephen Lynch of South Boston said Monday he plans to run to become chairman of the House's powerful Oversight and Reform Committee. The prestigious post is vacant after last week's death of Representative Elijah E. Cummings of Maryland, who has led the committee since Democrats gained the House majority in January. His funeral was Friday in Baltimore. The oversight committee has a major role in the impeachment inquiry into President Trump and its chair is one of the most influential members of Congress. The committee is the main investigative panel in the House, with broad authority to probe just about any matter." ABOVE THE FOLD — Herald: "GO DIE," — Globe: "Ex-BC student charged in boyfriend's death," "Witness expected to tie Trump to Ukraine appeal." FROM THE 413 - "Ellsberg, co-conspirators share untold stories behind Pentagon Papers leak," by Greta Jochem, Daily Hampshire Gazette: "Though the Pentagon Papers were first published in 1971, nearly 50 years later, details of the story are still coming to light. On Monday night, Vietnam War whistleblower Daniel Ellsberg and historian and economist Gar Alperovitz, delivered copies of the Pentagon Papers to newspapers, appeared for the first time together publicly to talk about the papers, classified documents that revealed unknown details of the U.S. government's involvement in Vietnam." THE LOCAL ANGLE - "Local elections hinge on housing this fall," by Tim Logan, Boston Globe: "Gradually, and sometimes grudgingly, the municipalities that ring Boston have built more housing in recent years, their leaders blessing apartment and condo buildings as part of a broad push to tackle the regional shortage that's driven rents skyward. This fall, however, some of those elected officials may pay a price for encouraging residential construction in their backyards. From Medford to Newton, Revere to Braintree, upcoming local elections could partially hinge on housing and development issues." - "Falmouth selectman enters state Senate race," by Christine Legere, Cape Cod Times: "Falmouth Selectman Susan Moran on Monday became the first candidate from the Cape to enter the race for the state Senate seat being vacated by Viriato "Vinny" deMacedo. Moran announced her candidacy from the steps of Falmouth Town Hall. "The issues of clean water, supporting our seniors, funding for public education, alternative energy, continuing to fight to bring help to those impacted by the addiction epidemic, solutions to regional transportation, safe bridges and affordable housing for our working families are not Republican or Democrat issues. Those are not red or blue issues," Moran read from a statement." TRANSITIONS - Sarah Merrefield was appointed senior program officer by the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation. HAPPY BIRTHDAY - to POLITICO'S Steve Heuser, and Joanne Goldstein. FOR YOUR COMMUTE: Pollin', Pollin', Pollin' on the River - On this week's Horse Race podcast, hosts Jenn Smith and Steve Koczela talk about a recent Boston City Council debate, and dissect the numbers in a new WBUR poll conducted by MassINC. Later, Colin Young of the State House News Service breaks down Gov. Charlie Baker's new health care proposal. Subscribe and listen on iTunes and Sound Cloud. 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. A message from Bay State Wind: With the most in-the-field research, most advanced permits and most experienced team, Bay State Wind knows how to deliver quality projects on-time and on-budget. We know how to bring jobs and benefits to our local communities. But most importantly, we know Massachusetts. Backed by Ørsted and Eversource, we're building Massachusetts' clean energy future, one turbine at a time. More at baystatewind.com     Follow us on Twitter Stephanie Murray @StephMurr_Jour   Subscribe to the POLITICO Playbook family Playbook  |  Playbook PM  |  California Playbook  |  Florida Playbook  |  Illinois Playbook  |  Massachusetts Playbook  |  New Jersey Playbook  |  New York Playbook  |  Brussels Playbook  |  London Playbook View all our politics and policy newsletters FOLLOW US

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