POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: BAKER says YES and NO — HEALEY wants to block TRUMP’S WALL —The MASSPORT roster

BAKER says YES and NO — HEALEY wants to block TRUMP’S WALL —The MASSPORT roster  

Apr 09, 2019 View in browser BY STEPHANIE MURRAY GOOD MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. It's Opening Day at Fenway Park! BAKER SAYS YES AND NO — Gov. Charlie Baker signed a bill banning conversion therapy yesterday, making Massachusetts the 16th state in the country to outlaw the practice of trying to change the sexuality or gender identity of minors. In the same afternoon, the governor's office announced he vetoed a bill that would raise the so-called welfare cap on kids. It's Baker's third time sending the cap on kids bill back to the legislature. In his letter to lawmakers, Baker called on the body to enact broader welfare reforms in addition to lifting the cap. But this time, lawmakers seem poised to override his decision. The legislature passed the welfare legislation with wide support last week. "We in the Massachusetts Legislature ... will be back this time to Lift the Cap for good," bill sponsor state Rep. Marjorie Decker said in a tweet yesterday afternoon, calling for an override. And she wasn't the only lawmaker to sound off online. "Mmmm....ready for my first veto override vote," state Rep. Maria Robinson tweeted. The Republican governor has received an unusual amount of public pushback from Democrats over the last several days — political disagreements are usually handled behind closed doors on Beacon Hill. Baker's administration clashed with Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins over the weekend, and he's come under fire for this welfare cap veto and two other funding decisions.  SEE ARTICLES BELOW REGARDING A PROGRESIVE DA IN PHILADELPHIA, LARRY KRASNER.  The Baker administration and the state's congressional delegation are in a disagreement over the state's usage of federal funds for low-income kids, the Boston Globe reports. And House Speaker Robert DeLeo is calling on the governor to release a full $30 million in state home heating aid by the end of the fiscal year, rather than follow the Baker administration's plan to deliver $11 million now, and distribute the rest in fiscal 2020, the State House News Service reports. WE'RE NUMBER ONE — Transportation for Massachusetts is calling on Boston to fix its worst-in-the-nation traffic ranking. The coalition, geared toward improving transportation in the state, interviewed a number of commuters about the city's traffic woes for a video released today. Link. HAPPENING TODAY — POLITICO PLAYBOOK authors JAKE SHERMAN and ANNA PALMER's new book "The Hill to Die On" is in stores everywhere today. Order the book Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for the Playbook? Get in touch: smurray@politico.com. TODAY — Boston Mayor Marty Walsh attends a Boston affordable housing conference, makes a Massworks announcement in Mattapan and attends Red Sox opening day. The Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government holds a hearing. State Senate President Karen Spilka speaks at a 495/MetroWest lobby day. Walsh attends WBUR's CitySpace Homelessness in Boston event.Rep. Katherine Clark and Sen. Patty Murray hold a press conference to introduce the BE HEARD in the Workplace Act. The Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development hears testimony. The Joint Committee on Education holds a hearing. DATELINE BEACON HILL - "MILLENIAL LEGISLATORS BOND AROUND PUSH FOR RENEWABLES," by Katie Lannan, State House News Service:"With seawall breaches, beach erosion and other weather-driven emergencies, Scituate "has become the poster child of climate change" over the last few years, according to Sen. Patrick O'Connor, who represents that town and seven other coastal communities. "We need to act as quickly as we possibly can to stop the effects of climate change that are going on inside all of our communities," O'Connor, a 34-year-old Weymouth Republican, said at a Millennials for 100% Renewable Energy lobby day Monday." - "Baker is on unfamiliar ground in spat with Rollins," by Matt Stout and Maria Cramer, Boston Globe: "In four-plus years in office, Governor Charlie Baker has successfully navigated Massachusetts politics by preaching his "tough on the issues, soft on the people" mantra that hinges on policy, not picking fights. But suddenly, the Republican who has built a reputation for working with Democrats is embroiled in an unusual high-profile spat with one, plunking Baker in the type of fight he's long sought to avoid." - "Who is Thomas Turco?" by John R. Ellement, Boston Globe:"Thomas A. Turco III appeared upbeat when Governor Charlie Baker last December tapped him to for the Cabinet-level job as state public safety secretary, with a portfolio that included oversight of the State Police, state prisons, parole board, sex offender board, and medical examiner. It was a promotion for Turco who had held the top job at the Department of Correction for about three years, but was now going to directly advise Baker on a sprawling set of issues. He did not boast of any fierce law-and-order policy at the DOC under his leadership, and he offered a welcoming hand to the political forces he would be dealing with in his new job." - SEE YA: "Wynn Resorts security chief gone after spying admission," by Andy Metzger, CommonWealth Magazine: "THE FORMER FBI AGENT who headed up Wynn Resorts' security operation no longer has a job at the international casino business four days after telling regulators he spied on employees and the ex-wife of the company's founder. The casino company, which plans to open an Everett resort in June, has been under scrutiny since a January 2018 Wall Street Journal story reported on multiple allegations of sexual harassment and worse against founder Steve Wynn, who resigned soon after the story was published." - INJECTION SITE BACKERS NOT GIVING UP ON BAKER," by Michael P. Norton, State House News Service: "Having seen his influence in helping to pass two major laws addressing the opioid epidemic, activists who support supervised drug injection sites are keeping the pressure on Gov. Charlie Baker, hoping to convince him to join their push. "More are dying every day, we need action right away," activists, including people who have lost loved ones to overdoses, chanted outside the governor's office Monday afternoon." - "Massachusetts state employee pay: Here are 100 highest paid," MassLive.com. Link. FROM THE HUB - "Massport landing spot for city, state employees," by Joe Dwinell, Boston Herald: "Former City Hall staffers and people with ties to Beacon Hill have landed at Massport, where they enjoy six-figure pay and everyone was awarded a raise this year. "Massport is nirvana for public employees looking for a big pay boost, and it shouldn't be," said former state inspector general Greg Sullivan, now with the Pioneer Institute. "They should be hiring the most experienced airport managers in the country." The late Mayor Thomas M. Menino's former chief speechwriter, Reed A. Passafaro, was just given a mammoth raise — from $103,500 to $190,000, salary records obtained by the Herald show. The bump comes as after he was named acting chief of staff at Massport." - "Cambridge Streets To Be Renamed After 2 African-American Women With Ties To The City And Suffrage Movement," by Colin A. Young, State House News Service: "The Cambridge City Council on Monday voted to rename two streets to honor prominent African-American women with ties to Cambridge who were involved in the suffrage movement. The council voted 8-0-1 to rename North Street as Jacobs Street to honor abolitionist, author, women's rights advocate and educator Harriet Jacobs, who lived on Story Street in Cambridge from about 1868 until her 1897 death and is buried in Mt. Auburn Cemetery." - "'We owe much to the Sackler family': How gifts to a top medical school advanced the interests of Purdue Pharma," by Andrew Joseph, STAT News: "The Sackler family built and controls the privately held Purdue Pharma, the maker of opioid painkillers including OxyContin. A STAT review of court documents, two decades of academic papers, tax forms, and funding disclosures suggests that the family and company money that went to Tufts helped to advance their interests, generating goodwill for members of the family who were praised for their philanthropy and amplifying arguments about opioids that dovetailed with their business aims." - "A South End development project begins — in Roxbury," by MIlton J. Valencia, Boston Globe: " When the proposed redevelopment of the Alexandra Hotel popped up on city planning agendas last fall, it was designated as a South End project that could revitalize an important corridor along Washington Street. One problem: The hotel is located in Roxbury. The city recognized the error in February, six months after it was first proposed, and alerted neighborhood leaders — a key step inviting residents to have a say in a project and its potential benefits. But Roxbury residents said that did not give them enough time to review the project — which is at the border with the South End — before it was approved in early March." DAY IN COURT - "Healey asks judge to block Trump's wall funding," by Christian M. Wade, Gloucester Daily Times: "Attorney General Maura Healey is seeking to block President Donald Trump from redirecting $1.6 billion in federal funds to build a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border. On Friday, the Democrat joined a coalition of 20 state attorneys general in asking a federal judge in California to block Trump's executive order diverting the money. Healey said Massachusetts stands to lose money it would have gotten from the federal Treasury Forfeiture Fund, one of the sources Trump is tapping to pay for a border wall." - "Felicity Huffman, 13 other defendants to plead guilty in college admissions bribery case," by Steph Solis, MassLive.com: "Actress Felicity Huffman plans to plead guilty to participating in the college cheating scheme, the U.S. Attorney's Office announced Monday. The Los Angeles actress is among 14 defendants who are expected to plead guilty in connection with the widespread college admissions scandal orchestrated by William Singer's company The Key in southern California." WARREN REPORT - "Elizabeth Warren bets that slew of policy ideas will win over Trump-weary voters," by Annie Linskey, Washington Post:"Warren, alone among the Democratic candidates, is betting voters, exhausted by an emotional, blustery president often seemingly uninterested in specifics, want someone whose strength is a mastery of detail and a meticulous road map for pitchfork-style change. While other Democratic hopefuls have offered isolated plans, Warren's stand out for their number — and their sweeping aim of overhauling basic aspects of American life. The risk is that these detailed initiatives may excite activists but not voters, fill the op-ed pages but not the front pages, and leave Warren with an effort that resembles a policy roadshow rather than a political campaign." TRUMPACHUSETTS - "Worcester man jailed 20 years for crack to be released to ICE under reform law signed by President Donald Trump," by Brad Petrishen, Telegram & Gazette: "A former Worcester man serving a 20-year sentence for dealing crack cocaine is among the first federal inmates from Massachusetts to have his sentence reduced as a result of criminal justice reform signed into law last year by President Donald J. Trump. Victor Albino, who was sentenced in 2004, had his punishment reduced to time served on Monday, records show, and will be released to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement pursuant to a detainer." DATELINE D.C. - "The fight for Trump's tax returns is just getting started," by Emily Stewart, Vox: "House Democrats have asked the IRS to hand over President Donald Trump's tax returns by Wednesday. The White House has signaled it has no intention of complying with the request, meaning the battle over the issue is far from over. Rep. Richard Neal (D-MA), who chairs the House Ways and Means Committee, put in a formal request to IRS Commissioner Charles Rettig on April 3 asking for the president's tax returns from 2013 to 2018. He invoked an obscure 1920s law that authorizes the Ways and Means Committee to get from the Treasury Department the tax return information of any taxpayer." - "Here's why Chris Evans was meeting with Ed Markey and other members of Congress on Capitol Hill," Nik DeCosta-Klipa, Boston.com: "Chris Evans didn't meet with Ed Markey earlier this year solely to celebrate the New England Patriots' Super Bowl win. The "Captain America" actor and Sudbury native is working with the Massachusetts senator and other members of Congress on A Starting Point, a new website that aims to "demystify politics" by directly showcasing both Democratic and Republican lawmakers succinctly giving their position on "dozens" of different political issues." MARIJUANA IN MASSACHUSETTS - "Boston bracing for black market pot," by Rick Sobey, Boston Herald: "The black market for illegal pot sales will come under more scrutiny once Boston begins to open dozens of legal weed shops, Mayor Martin Walsh said. "Obviously it's something we'll look at. ... We'll be monitoring that as we move forward and seeing how we can address it," Walsh said Monday. "It's very difficult for us to address it today because we don't have the size and scale of recreational marijuana shops in Boston yet," he added. "We will. It's coming here, but until that happens it's hard to answer that question." The Herald reported Monday that both Massachusetts police and cannabis advocates say the combination of high prices and low supply in the state's few retail stores is fueling sales on the black market." - "In Massachusetts, people of color are the first to get arrested for marijuana — and the last to be licensed," by Naomi Martin, Boston Globe: "Say you're an entrepreneur from a neighborhood ravaged by marijuana arrests. You hear that Massachusetts wants to help people like you join the legal cannabis industry. Go online to the Cannabis Control Commission's website, and you'll see: "Sorry, The Economic Empowerment Priority Review Program has ended!" If you weren't one of the 123 people who knew to apply during a two-week period last April, that window has now closed. And approval was no meaningless label — the certification allows entrepreneurs to skip the line of companies ahead of them once they apply for a state cannabis license, potentially saving time and money." - P.S. If you use medical marijuana or CBD (or if you're a health professional who has worked with it), we want to hear from you. Tell us your story and a reporter might reach out. ALL ABOARD - "More talk of new revenues as T approves budget," by Bruce Mohl, CommonWealth Magazine: "THE MBTA OVERSIGHT BOARD unanimously approved a $2.1 billion budget for fiscal 2020 on Monday, but only after two members and the head of the transit authority's advisory board highlighted what they said was a need for more revenues. Paul Regan, executive director of the MBTA Advisory Board, got the revenue discussion rolling by calling for a 1 percent increase in the deeds excise tax. He said the increase, which is higher than what Gov. Charlie Baker has proposed, would provide enough money to funnel $140 million annually to the MBTA and $60 million to regional transit authorities." EYE ON 2020 - "Poll: Biden tops Democratic field after rough week," by Steven Shepard, POLITICO: "The spate of negative stories about Joe Biden's interactions with women hasn't upended the former vice president's standing as presumptive 2020 Democratic front-runner, according to the first national poll of the presidential field conducted since the controversy erupted. In a survey from Morning Consult, Biden was still at the top of the list of candidates with the support of 32 percent of voters who say they intend to participate in a Democratic primary or caucus next year. He is 9 points ahead of the next closest contender: Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), at 23 percent." - "'Shape your future': Berkshire leaders seek to make every effort count for 2020 census," by Dick Lindsay, The Berkshire Eagle: "With legislative representation and federal funding at stake, Berkshire residents need to stand up and be counted next year. Local, state and federal officials at City Hall delivered that important message on Monday to county inhabitants — be included in the 2020 U.S. Census. "The goal is simple; count everyone once, only once and in the right place," said Georgia Lowe, representing the U.S. Census Bureau regional office." ABOVE THE FOLD — Herald: "TAKE TWO: GUILTY," — Globe: "Actress, 13 others plead guilty," "Baker on unfamiliar ground." FROM THE 413 - "Springfield improperly obtained, then destroyed phone records of officers allegedly involved in 2015 Nathan Bill's beating and never sought them again," by Dan Glaun, MassLive.com: "The City of Springfield acquired records in 2016 showing that a dozen members of the Springfield Police Department had texted or called each other at the time of an alleged off-duty beating that has led to indictments against 14 officers. But the records were destroyed after a police union complaint because they were improperly obtained by a city attorney, MassLive has learned." - "After Hampshire College President Departs, Fundraising Group Receives More Donations," by Alden Bourne, NEPR: "A group trying to raise money to keep Hampshire College in Amherst, Massachusetts, open and independent says it's seen a jump in contribution activity since the school's president resigned. Last Friday, Hampshire announced President Miriam Nelson was leaving, that one of the school's founders would take her place, and that the board of trustees had voted to fundraise to keep Hampshire independent." - "Baystate Health: Info of 12,000 patients compromised in phishing attack," by Jim Kinney, Springfield Republican:"Baystate Health is warning that personal information belonging to about 12,000 patients was left vulnerable to theft following an email phishing attack. The information compromised in the hack includes patient names, dates of birth, health information (such as, diagnoses, treatment information, and medications), and in some instances, health insurance information, and a limited number of Medicare numbers and Social Security numbers." THE LOCAL ANGLE NOTE CHARLIE BAKER'S SILENCE - "Sen. Markey unveils federal pipeline safety legislation named after Leonel Rondon, killed in Valley gas disaster," by Zoe Matthews, Eagle-Tribune: "U.S. Sen. Edward Markey has unveiled new federal pipeline safety legislation named after Leonel Rondon, the 18-year-old Lawrence man killed during the Merrimack Valley gas disaster last September. The legislation, called the Leonel Rondon Pipeline Safety Act, calls for tighter regulations and stricter penalties on natural gas companies across the country, in the wake of the Sept. 13 over-pressurization incident that rocked Lawrence, Andover and North Andover." *****LOCAL CABLE ACCESS PROGRAMS PROVIDE A PIPELINE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT - LEARN WHAT YOU CAN AND SPEAK OUT **** - "Local cable-access TV stations brace for FCC-proposed funding cuts," by Elise Takahama, The Lowell Sun: "Local cable access television stations are growing more and more anxious by the day, following a proposed funding change by the Federal Communications Commission that could mean the end of dozens of public programs. Last fall, the FCC proposed a plan that could slash funding for local cable television, potentially forcing them to cut programs, lay off staff or go out of business completely. The new plan would allow big cable companies, such as Comcast or Verizon, to assign values to public, educational and governmental access channels, or PEG channels, and deduct that amount from the funding they give to local television, according to an FCC statement." MEDIA MATTERS - "Boston private equity firm acquires The Onion, ex-Gawker sites," by Greg Ryan, Boston Business Journal: "Boston-based Great Hill Partners has purchased the Gizmodo Media Group, which includes popular websites like Deadspin and Jezebel, and the satirical news site The Onion, from Univision Communications Inc. for an undisclosed sum. The private equity firm has owned other media brands and companies, including Ziff Davis and IGN, both of which focus on technology and gaming. The site Gizmodo, just one of the properties in Gizmodo Media Group's portfolio, shares a similar focus, as does sister site Kotaku." TRANSITIONS - former Democrat for governor Jay Gonzalez joins Hinckley Allen to lead the firm's work with public sector clients. - Rachel Kyte was named dean of The Fletcher School at Tufts University. - Garrett Dash Nelson joins the The Norman B. Leventhal Map & Education Center at the Boston Public Library as curator of maps and director of geographic scholarship. HAPPY BIRTHDAY - to state Rep. Dan Cullinane of Dorchester. 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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FOOTNOTE:
AN ACQUAINTANCE TOLD THE STORY OF A POOR VETERAN WHO WAS INCARCERATED ON A MINOR CHARGE BECAUSE HE HAD NO MONEY FOR "BAIL"  - AN AMOUNT THAT EXCEEDED THE POTENTIAL FINE. BY THE TIME SHE WAS INFORMED AND BAILED HIM OUT OF JAIL, HE WAS HOMELESS. THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN NO JAIL TIME FOR THE MISDEMEANOR. 

THIS IS MASSACHUSETTS. 

THE FIGHT GOVERNOR CHARLIE BAKER HAS PICKED WITH RACHAEL ROLLINS HAS NO MERIT BEYOND WHAT HIS LACKEY TURCO HAS CREATED. THERE IS NO INDICATION THAT TURCO IS EXPERIENCED IN THIS AREA. 

MASSACHUSETTS IS FILLING PRISONS WITH POOR PEOPLE, PEOPLE OF COLOR AND FOR MINOR CRIMES.

I'VE SAT IN COURTROOMS AND WATCHED YOUNG KIDS WITH NO SKILLS, NO FAMILY SUPPORT BECOME CAPTIVE TO THE SYSTEM. 

COURTS ARE PUBLIC. IF YOU WANT ENLIGHTENMENT, I RECOMMEND SITTING THROUGH CRIMINAL SESSIONS - THERE WAS A YOUNG WHITE MALE WITH AN ATTORNEY, 21 YEARS OLD BEING CHARGED WITH HIS 2ND DUI, ON PROBATION FOR THE 1ST UNDERAGE DUI.....HE'S WHITE, EXPENSIVE ATTORNEY, SLAP ON THE WRIST. 

IF YOU DON'T BELIEVE THE SYSTEM IS RACIST, SIT IN A COURTROOM.  

ACROSS THE NATION, VOTERS ARE BEING AWAKENED BY THE FAILED POLICIES OF RACIAL INCARCERATION - A SYSTEM THAT NEEDS TO CHANGE. 

WE ARE IGNORING RECIDIVISM, THE NEED FOR EDUCATION AND REHABILITATION....THE POTENTIAL COST SAVINGS WE COULD ACCOMPLISH IN TERMS OF TAXES PAID BY WORKING PEOPLE SUPPORTING THEIR FAMILIES, AND OTHER IMPACTS.  

MASS INCARCERATION DOESN'T WORK AND IT'S TIME TO RECOGNIZE OUR FOLLY.

POVERTY IS EXPENSIVE AND WE NEED TO END THE CYCLE. 




Democratic primary winner Larry Krasner on stage at his campaign party Tuesday night. (photo: Kimberly Painter/WHYY)

Larry Krasner, a Progressive, Just Won the DA Primary in Philly. Here's What His Victory Can Teach the Left. 
Paul Blest, Paste 
Blest writes: "On Tuesday night, a 56-year-old bespectacled criminal defense attorney gave criminal justice reformers their biggest win yet. Larry Krasner won a crowded seven-candidate Democratic primary against practically the entire Philadelphia establishment to become the party's nominee for District Attorney; in a city where Hillary Clinton defeated Donald Trump by sixty-seven points, Krasner is a heavy favorite to win the general election on Nov. 7." 
READ MORE

Philadelphia's District Attorney Larry Krasner. (photo: The Intercept)

Philly DA Larry Krasner Stopped Seeking Bail for Low-Level Crimes. Here's What Happened Next.
Samantha Melamed, The Philadelphia Inquirer
Melamed writes: "One year ago, Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner announced that his office would no longer seek money bail for a list of offenses that make up 61 percent of all cases in the Philadelphia criminal justice system."
READ MORE

POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: How WARREN stacks up in N.H. — Follow the leader in the HOUSE — ROLLINS could investigate Virginia controversy

How WARREN stacks up in N.H. — Follow the leader in the HOUSE — ROLLINS could investigate Virginia controversy

Feb 13, 2019 View in browser   BY STEPHANIE MURRAY GOOD MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. HOW WARREN STACKS UP IN NEW HAMPSHIRE — We're only a year away from the New Hampshire primary. And although polling doesn't show Sen. Elizabeth Warren as a clear-cut frontrunner among New Hampshire primary voters, she's still putting up strong numbers with our neighbors to the north. Warren has a 60 percent favorability rating among registered voters who plan to cast ballots in the Democratic primary next year. Just over 28 percent of voters surveyed have an unfavorable view of Warren, and 98 percent of those surveyed recognize her name. The Saint Anselm College Survey Center polled 600 registered voters in New Hampshire from Feb. 6 to Feb. 9. Among the small sample of 258 registered voters who said they plan to vote in the Democratic primary, the center tested their opinion on 14 potential and current 2020 candidates. Warren trails former Vice President Joe Biden , who had an 80 percent favorability rating among those surveyed, and just under 13 percent found him unfavorable. Sen. Bernie Sanders had a 65 percent favorability rating, and close to 25 percent of likely voters had an unfavorable view of him. Sen. Kamala Harris had a 62 percent favorability rating and Sen. Cory Booker had just under 61 percent, and both 2020 contenders saw unfavorability ratings below 10 percent. Warren drew thousands to her 2020 campaign announcement in Lawrence over the weekend, and locked up some key early endorsements from Bay State pols like Rep. Joe Kennedy III. But it's unclear whether that will deter Rep. Seth Moulton, who says he's mulling a run for the White House. Not long after he told reporters at a Bedford house party he didn't visit the Granite State to talk about 2020, Moulton changed his tune earlier this week. The congressman told BuzzFeed he's not ruling out a 2020 campaign, and rolled out a foreign policy vision at the Brookings Institution in Washington yesterday. On Friday, another Massachusetts politician could jump into the fray on the other side of the aisle. Former Gov. William Weld, who ran for vice president on the Libertarian ticket in 2016, is set to address Politics & Eggs on Friday in Bedford. The 1990s-era GOP governor has been tight-lipped on his 2020 plans, and it's not clear whether Weld would run as a Libertarian or a Republican if he starts up a campaign. But if you're looking for a hint, Weld registered as a Republican at his local town hall in Canton last month. Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for the Playbook? Get in touch: smurray@politico.com. TODAY - Acting Gov. Karyn Polito chairs a meeting of the Governor's Council. Sen. Ed Markey is a guest on Boston Public Radio. Boston Mayor Marty Walsh attends the Josiah Quincy School Lunar New Year celebration. Polito participates in the Exchange Club of Lawrence's Public Safety Awards. The Boston City Council meets. State Senate President Karen Spilka and state House Speaker Robert DeLeo speak at the State House for the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women campaign. Woods Hole Research Center scientist Dr. Jennifer Francistestifies before the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. DATELINE BEACON HILL - "House plays follow the leader," by Bruce Mohl, CommonWealth Magazine: "ON JANUARY 30, in the midst of a debate over the rules to govern the legislative process on Beacon Hill, a vote took place that revealed a lot about the way the House runs. The vote was on a technical issue dealing with the way bills are handled as the legislative session comes to an end, when time runs short and political brinkmanship is the name of the game. Rep. Bradley Jones Jr. of North Reading, the Republican minority leader, spoke in favor of the amendment and asked for a roll call vote." - "HOUSE DEMS TO CAUCUS THURSDAY WITH APPOINTMENTS LIKELY," by Matt Murphy, State House News Service: "Six weeks after House lawmakers took their oaths of office, it appears that they may be getting assigned to committees on Thursday. House Speaker Robert DeLeo on Tuesday afternoon called for a Democratic Party caucus at 1 p.m. on Thursday after an informal House session in the morning. The schedule was sent to members in the afternoon, and was subsequently shared with the News Service. The timing of the caucus and the expectation among many members that leadership and committee assignments could be coming this week seems to signal that the speaker has made his decisions." - "NDAs On Beacon Hill: An Affront To Transparency, Or Protection For Victims?" Greater Boston, WGBH: "The use of nondisclosure agreements have been at the root of debate at the Massachusetts House over the past few months, with critics saying they can be used to silence victims of workplace sexual harassment. The state Senate recently voted to ban the use of NDAs in all personnel cases in the State House. However, the State House went the opposite direction, voting to maintain the use of NDAs only when they are requested by alleged victims - with representatives arguing that this practice can ensure victims' names are not leaked to the public or press." - "High above the city, Healey feels grounded," by VIctoria McGrane, Boston Globe: "Walk into Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey's 20th-floor office, and the first thing you will notice is the view. Two walls of nearly all-glass flank the wooden desk where Healey signs papers, reads, and responds to correspondence that pours into her office, via snail- and electronic-mail, from people around the country." - "An allergy almost killed her son. Now she's trying to change Mass. law," by Kara Baskin, Boston Globe: "Last year during Super Bowl Sunday, Nicole Arpiarian experienced every parent's worst nightmare: She watched her child almost die. Arpiarian was enjoying a post-church brunch with her family at a Harvard Square restaurant. Her then-12-year-old son, Tripp Hollister, ordered a special menu item — a fruit-filled pastry. Eating out is hard for Tripp. He has a severe peanut allergy. But the family tries to live as normally as possible, communicating Tripp's allergy with servers and always carrying an EpiPen. In part, the family is buoyed by Massachusetts' already strong food allergy law. The state is a forerunner in awareness, having passed a law in 2009 championed by chef Ming Tsai, whose son suffers from food allergies." - "Mass. business confidence at lowest level since October 2016," by Michael P. Norton, State House News Service:"Dimming employer views of the state and national economies drove down business confidence in Massachusetts in January. The Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) Business Confidence Index lost 0.9 points, falling to 57.7, its lowest level since October 2016. According to the business trade group, confidence has dropped 6.4 points during the past year, but remains in 'optimistic territory,' which is any reading over 50." FROM THE HUB - "Without immigrants, Mass. would lose population, study says," by Sarah Betancourt, CommonWealth Magazine: "AS DEBATE OVER immigration continues to roil the national political waters, a new study highlights the crucial role newcomers to the US play in the Massachusetts economy and population growth. If it were not for international migration, the state would have lost population from 2010 to 2018, according to a report issued by The Boston Foundation." - "At Harvard, Harvey Weinstein is now a cause for concern," by Stephanie Ebbert, Boston Globe: "To witness all the tumult, you might think Harvey Weinstein had just moved onto Harvard's campus. That is not the case. But the news that the disgraced Hollywood producer has chosen for his legal 'dream team' a faculty dean of one of Harvard's residential houses has unleashed a wave of concern on campus." - "Local accountability in schools lacking, says report," by Michael Jonas, CommonWealth Magazine: "MASSACHUSETTS HAS BUILT its school reform effort on a combination of new state funding and accountability measures that track student and district achievement, but that has largely let local districts off the hook for setting ambitious goals of their own and holding themselves and schools responsible for meeting them. That's the conclusion of a new research report released on Wednesday that calls local accountability an 'untapped strategy' for driving school improvement." - "Supporters of controversial Mass. film tax credit aim to make it permanent," by Matt Stout, Boston Globe: "Supporters of the state's film tax subsidy have spent years defending it as an economic boost to local industry, protecting it from an early death amid criticisms the benefits are not worth the cost. Now, its backers are throwing their energy toward a new front: keeping it alive forever. As the controversial program inches toward its January 2023 expiration, advocates warn the looming deadline could hamstring the state's ability to attract coveted episodic series and the more consistent, long-term source of jobs they offer locals in the entertainment industry." - "Ed Commission 'optimistic' about Alma del Mar deal in New Bedford," by Aimee Chiavaroli, Standard-Times: "The state's top education official told the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education Tuesday morning that he's optimistic about the agreement between Alma del Mar and New Bedford leaders. Jeffrey Riley said there has been good progress and collaboration between New Bedford Public Schools and Alma del Mar. They've been meeting to develop and negotiate a memorandum of understanding (MOU), he said." - "Want to be a butler? How about a dock master? Encore casino has some interesting job postings," by Steve Annear, Boston Globe: "Looking for a gig? Or perhaps you want to make a sudden — or drastic — career change, and try your hand at something new. The Encore Boston Harbor casino in Everett is looking for thousands of people to fill a range of jobs ahead of its planned grand opening in June — and some of the positions up for grabs are intriguing." DAY IN COURT - "ACLU Mass Executive Director Weighs In On Carter Decision," by Arjun Singh, WGBH News: "Rose said that while the case was 'indisputably a tragic situation,' the court made a new precedent by saying speech in and of itself can be considered grounds for a criminal indictment. Previously, Rose said, for speech to be considered criminal it needed to be linked with another action, such as a bank robber threatening to use a gun, but not actually firing it. According to Rose, the robber's words imply the use of force, but in Carter's situation there was not an actual criminal action linked to her speech." - "Rachael Rollins prepared to investigate Boston-based assault allegations against Va. lieutenant governor," by Maria Cramer, Boston Globe: "Suffolk District Attorney Rachael Rollins said Tuesday that she is ready to investigate allegations that Virginia's lieutenant governor sexually assaulted a woman at the 2004 Democratic National Convention in Boston, raising the prospect of a criminal probe that could deepen the extraordinary political turmoil engulfing Virginia. Rollins, a Democrat who took office in January, said she e-mailed a letter to lawyers for Vanessa Tyson last Thursday informing them that if Tyson wants to file a criminal complaint against Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax, prosecutors in Rollins's office will investigate ." WARREN REPORT - "I asked Wall Street insiders whether they'd prefer Elizabeth Warren or Donald Trump. It turned out to be a hard question." by Emily Stewart, Vox: "Sen. Elizabeth Warren has made no secret of her disdain for Wall Street and the ultra-wealthy. She has proposed a wealth tax as part of her 2020 platform and has for years crusaded against the big banks. President Donald Trump has been good in some significant ways for the moneyed interests in America, from his tax cuts to his deregulatory efforts. So whom would Wall Street prefer: Warren, the anti-corporate crusader who promises to be a steadier hand? Or Trump, a president who generally tries to keep his friends happy but is so unpredictable that his actions risk blowing up the system? - "Why Elizabeth Warren Needs to Give 'The Speech,'" by Russell Arben Fox, POLITICO Magazine: "Some suggest that Warren's best (and perhaps only) option is to stay away from her past and lock away her family stories, and instead focus her campaign entirely on her attacks on the 1 percent and her proposals for structural economic reforms. But there is a better alternative. It is risky, and the odds of Warren being able to pull it off are, I admit, not very good. But still, the rewards—both for her candidacy and, for those of us who mostly agree with her diagnosis of American capitalism in 2019, for the country—would be great." - "Elizabeth Warren attends Native American event in Washington," by Martin Finucane, Boston Globe: "US Senator Elizabeth Warren appeared Tuesday at the National Indian Women's 'Supporting Each Other' lunch in Washington to introduce a Native American leader from Massachusetts, her presidential campaign said. The Massachusetts senator attended to introduce and honor her friend Cheryl Andrews-Maltais, chairwoman of the Wampanoag Tribe, the campaign said." TRUMPACHUSETTS - "Bay State mom urges president to 'hold strong' on border wall," by Joe Dwinell, Boston Herald: "A Bay State mom whose son was dragged to his death by an illegal immigrant is urging President Trump to 'hold strong' and keep pushing for the full $5.7 billion to build a wall on the southern border. 'I don't want the president to give in,' said Maureen Maloney of Milford. 'I don't care how long it takes. We can't lose more loved ones to illegal aliens.' Maloney's 23-year-old son Matthew Denice was killed in 2011 by an Ecuadorean illegal immigrant who was convicted of motor vehicle homicide and manslaughter and is now serving 12 to 14 years." MOULTON MATTERS - "What sort of presidential campaign would Seth Moulton run?" by Nik DeCosta-Klipa, Boston.com: "The Harvard-educated Marine captain has garnered as much attention for his criticism of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a fellow Democrat, as he has for his criticism of President Donald Trump. And if he decides to run, the 6th District congressman would join Sen. Elizabeth Warren as the second Democratic presidential candidate from Massachusetts. However, they would have very different campaigns." ABOVE THE FOLD — Herald: "HOLD STRONG," — Globe: "Trump sees a shutdown as unlikely," "FAR FROM THE COLD AND THE BAD OLD DAYS." THE LOCAL ANGLE - "Head Of Mass. Pipeline Safety Division Stepping Down," by Ally Jarmanning, WBUR: "The state's director of pipeline safety is stepping down, nearly five months after gas explosions and fires in the Merrimack Valley. Richard Wallace's job was posted Friday. He was appointed acting director in 2015, payroll records show. A DPU spokesperson said Wallace is retiring after 30 years with the department, and will stay on until a director is hired." - "A breakdown of 40B affordable housing," by Eli Sherman, Patriot Ledger: " Want to ruffle some feathers? Bring up the subject of 40B in Massachusetts. The affordable-housing program, known technically as Chapter 40B, has existed for five decades and is the subject of endless debate across the Bay State. The subject, however, is often clouded with confusion surrounding the program, how it exists and why it creates so much friction in a state where affordable housing is so tough to find." - "Hands Across the Hills story spreads far beyond Franklin County," by Richie Davis, Greenfield Recorder: "After a year of drawing attention solely from The Greenfield Recorder, this town's Hands Across the Hills effort and its organizer, Paula Green, are in the spotlight nationally and internationally as an effort to help bridge the political - and now racial - divides in this country." SPOTTED: Sen. Elizabeth Warren dining last night at Farmers and Distillers in Washington, D.C. DID THE HOME TEAM WIN? Yes and yes! The Bruins beat the Blackhawks 6-3. The Celtics beat the 76ers 112-109. 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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