POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: PELOSI’s Cambridge-bound — KENNEDY’s SOTU spotlight — Far from WYNNING


01/30/2018 07:09 AM EDT
By Lauren Dezenski (ldezenski@politico.com; @LaurenDezenski) with Brent D. Griffiths (bgriffiths@politico.com; @BrentGriffiths)
GOOD MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS.
FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: PELOSI'S COMING TO TOWN - House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi heads to Cambridge on Thursday for a midday town hall about the impact President Donald Trump's tax plan will have on Massachusetts families. She'll appear alongside Tax March Executive Director Nicole Gill and Center for American Progress Senior Fellow Seth Hanlon.
This is the third town hall across the country as Democrats seek "to shine a light on Republican tax breaks for millionaires, billionaires and wealthy corporations at the expense of working families" over the next 100 days, according to organizers.
While deeply Democratic, Cambridge may not be the best locale to highlight the tax plan's impact on working families - after all, the city is home to one of Massachusetts' top five concentration of millionaires - 471 of them, as of 2017. That number actually doubled over the last 10 years, according to the Department of Revenue. And the median household income hovers at $80,000 (above the national average).
At first blush, Pelosi seems headed to a reliably blue, anything-but-tough crowd in the People's Republic of Cambridge. But Cambridge is also home to a pocket of the restive Bernie Sanders supporters that may be less hospitable to Pelosi. The Vermont senator has a bit of history with the city - his fall, Sanders controversially endorsed a handful of municipal candidates in Cambridge and Somerville ahead of a Somerville visit. And in the 2016 Democratic primary, Hillary Clinton edged Sanders by just three points in Cambridge.
Thursday's 10:45 a.m. event at the Cambridge Public Library is free and open to the public.
Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for the Playbook? Get in touch: ldezenski@politico.com.
TODAY - Boston Mayor Marty Walsh joins a relief trip to Puerto Rico led by Red Sox Manager Alex Cora to deliver supplies needed for ongoing recovery efforts on the island - The Committee on Labor and Workforce Development hears two potential ballot questions: One that would establish a paid family and medical leave program and another that would boost the minimum hourly wage to $15 an hour - Rep. Joe Kennedy III delivers the Democratic party's State of the Union response (one of five total responses to the president's speech) from Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School at 10 p.m.
THE DELEGATION'S SOTU GUEST LIST - Just like President Trump, members of Congress can bring guests to the State of the Union. And like the president, who they bring can say a lot about the message they want to send.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren: Brockton City Councilor-At-Large Jean Bradley Derenoncourt, the first Haitian-American man elected to public office in the commonwealth.
Sen. Ed Markey: Mohamad Ali, President and Chief Executive Officer of Carbonite, a Massachusetts-based data protection company and a net neutrality advocate.
Rep. Richard Neal: Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi, who has first hand experience with the opioid epidemic.
Rep. Jim McGovern: Asima Silva, Muslim community leader from Central Massachusetts.
Rep. Niki Tsongas: Isa Woldeguiorguis, Executive Director of The Center for Hope and Healing in Lowell, a leader in the movement to end sexual and domestic violence.
Rep. Joe Kennedy III: Staff Sergeant Patricia King, a transgender soldier.
Rep. Seth Moulton: Edenilson Granados, a father and Salvadoran immigrant, is one of over two dozen employees at Kettle Cuisine, in Lynn, Massachusetts whose future is "in question due to the Administration's immigration policies."
Rep. Stephen Lynch: Not attending for family reasons.
- RELATED SOTU READING - "Viral videos fuel Kennedy rise," by yours truly in POLITICO: "The 37-year-old Kennedy's ability to channel progressive outrage - and his status as a youthful member of one of the nation's leading political families - has led to a surge in speaking invitations: Following his much-publicized floor speech on health care last March, his office received more than 20 invites, according to a Kennedy campaign source. ... Yet of those requests, Kennedy made just two major out-of-state visits last fall - to Michigan and Texas, where his in-laws live."
DATELINE BEACON HILL -
- "Feds: Accountant helped ex-state Sen. Brian Joyce commit tax fraud," by Laurel J. Sweet, Boston Herald: "A onetime business partner of former state Sen. Brian A. Joyce was arrested today on federal charges he conspired to defraud the IRS out of hundreds of thousands of dollars while helping Joyce file false tax returns for years. Joyce, 55, an attorney who served in the state Senate from 1998 until his departure from public office last year, is awaiting trial in U.S. District Court on a 113-count indictment accusing him of trading his office's power for cash and bribes."
- "Riley gets the nod as education commissioner," by Michael Jonas, Commonwealth Magazine: "Jeff Riley, who has served for six years as the state-appointed receiver of the troubled Lawrence school system, where he has overseen gains in student achievement and high school graduate rates, won the backing of the Massachusetts education board on Monday to become the next commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education."
- "Fantasy sports sites could face hefty fees," by Christian M. Wade, Salem News: "Fantasy sports websites would be regulated like casinos and slots parlors, and face hefty fees and taxes for operating in Massachusetts, under a new plan that industry officials say will block startup sites from entering the burgeoning market."
- "Governor Baker, US attorney will talk black market drugs," by Andy Metzger, State House News Service: "Governor Charlie Baker plans to meet with US Attorney Andrew Lelling next month, and the governor thinks state and federal law enforcement priorities could converge on cracking down on the illicit marijuana market."
WYNNING -
- "Baker: 'I'm Not The Decision-Maker' On Casino Mogul Steve Wynn," by Tori Bedford, WGBH News: during an interview with Boston Public Radio Monday, Baker was hesitant to take a stand on Wynn's role in one of the state's largest construction projects - a $2 billion Wynn Resort project in Everett - at least until a Massachusetts Gaming Commission investigation is complete. 'Let the Gaming Commission do what they need to do here, OK? I mean, they were set up as an independent entity for a reason, and we should give them the ability to perform their independent duty,' Baker said."
- "State gaming panel to hold hearing on allegations of misconduct against casino mogul Steve Wynn," by Travis Andersen, Boston Globe:"The Massachusetts Gaming Commission will hold a hearing Wednesday to discuss 'serious allegations of misconduct' leveled against casino mogul Steve Wynn, whose gambling palace in Everett is in jeopardy after an explosive Wall Street Journal report outlined accusations that he pressured employees for sex and exposed himself over a period of decades, officials said. The statement came shortly after Governor Charlie Baker told WGBH radio that his office wants the agency to 'move quickly' on its review."
- "Following Steve Wynn Allegations, Is The Everett Casino Project In Jeopardy?," by Antonio Caban, WGBH News: "The fate of Wynn Boston Harbor, a $2.4 billion casino project, could now be in jeopardy as state regulators begin their investigation into developer Steve Wynn, who faces multiple accusations of sexual misconduct. The state Gaming Act requires gaming licenses and their major executives and shareholders to have integrity, honesty, and good character and reputation. The Act says that if the licensee fails to meet that standard, the license can be revoked."
- "Baker is 'deeply disturbed' by allegations against Wynn," by Frank Phillips, Boston Globe: "Governor Charlie Baker has asked the Republican Governors Association to return funds it received in the last three years from Steve Wynn and his firm, Wynn Resorts Limited, following allegations of sexual misconduct against the gambling mogul that surfaced last week. The Republican Governors Association has been a major funding source for Baker's two campaigns for governor - in 2010, when he lost, and in 2014, when he won one of the closest races in state history."
WARREN REPORT-
- "Sen. Elizabeth Warren pushes for DACA deal - no matter when," by Donna Goodison, Boston Herald: "U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren would accept a DACA fix to protect "Dreamers" that's either attached to the next federal spending bill or in separate legislation in advance, she said[Sunday]. Warren, who's running for a second U.S. Senate term and is seen as a potential 2020 presidential contender, was one of several Democratic senators who last Monday refused to support a stopgap spending bill that ended a three-day partial shutdown of the federal government."
ICYMI - "Elizabeth Warren rallies the faithful at a Malden town hall," by Jeremy C. Fox, Boston Globe: "Speaking at Malden High School before a crowd estimated at 1,100, Warren elicited frequent applause with her broadsides against Trump and discussion of economic inequality and the challenge of achieving the American Dream today, particularly for immigrants and people of color. Malden Mayor Gary Christenson generated cheers from the crowd earlier in the afternoon when he described Warren as 'senator - and who knows? - maybe the next president,' though Warren made no reference to any potential presidential aspirations."
ON THE STUMP -
- "Democratic candidate for governor talks about time of 'crisis' in Mass.: On The Record," by WCVB-TV: "Bob Massie, a candidate for governor, gives his take on Gov. Baker's stance on Trump."
- "House GOP highlights 16 'On the Radar' candidates," by Lisa Hagen, the Hill: The House GOP's campaign arm released a second round of "On the Radar" candidates on Monday, as Republicans look to highlight promising candidates ahead of the 2018 midterms. The NRCC also highlighted a number of GOP challengers running in safer Democratic seats including: ... Peter Tedeschi, who's challenging Rep. Bill Keating (D-Mass.)."
WOOD WAR - Herald: "SWEPT UP!" "TOM'S NOT KIDDING AROUND." - Globe: "Trump's audience to reflect rift in US," "Old factory, new job: Growing pot," "INTENTIONAL GROUNDING," "House panel to release FBI memo," "Danny Amendola is all about going over and above," "Pension pitfall looms for more than a million," "Keep college dream from dissolving."
THE LOCAL ANGLE -
- "Livin' and Dion: Fall River a perfect backdrop for Kennedy response," by Marc Munroe Dion, the Herald News: "Fall River is one of those left-behind places, one of those forgotten, unfashionable places, one of those American places that is neither New York City nor some quiet little suburb, nor some farm town. We are not igniting any national trends. Perhaps because of this, when U.S. Rep. Joseph Kennedy III offers the Democrats' rebuttal to Trump's State of the Union address Tuesday, he will speak from Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School."
SIMPLER TIMES - "Remember that time Tom Brady was Laura Bush's State of the Union guest?," By Jaclyn Reiss, Boston Globe: "In case anyone has forgotten, Brady actually attended the 2004 State of the Union as a guest - of then-first lady Laura Bush. Brady was picked because he and his teammates 'have made an impact in their community by hosting a sports camp for local youth,' White House spokesman Kenneth Lisaius told the Globe in 2004."
- "MassDOT 2018 rail plan includes possible study on rail service between Springfield and Boston," by Matt Caron, WWLP: "One week after being named Vice-Chair of the Massachusetts Transportation Committee, State Senator Eric Lesser stood outside Union Station to announce high-speed rail between Springfield and Boston moved a step closer to reality. He said State Transportation Secretary Stephanie Pollack guarantees a study will be done."
- "Medical marijuana dispensary moves forward in Wellfleet," by Mary Ann Bragg, Cape Cod Times: "A medical marijuana dispensary planned on Route 6 south of Old Wharf Road is in the midst of permitting efforts at both the state and local level, according to an attorney for Atlantic Medicinal Partners Inc., a nonprofit group that intends to open another dispensary and a growing operation in Fitchburg. The Cape's first medical marijuana dispensary is set to open in Mashpee in the coming weeks, and three dispensaries are planned in Provincetown."
- "Proposal for massive marijuana facility divides North Andover," by Dan Adams, Boston Globe: "Like many communities in Massachusetts, which in July will become the first state east of the Mississippi to allow commercial pot sales, North Andover is grappling with what it would mean to host such a facility."
- "Yarmouth officials concerned about Vineyard Wind plan," by Kristen Young, Cape Cod Times: "Concerns are mounting over the proposed installation of a high-voltage transmission cable through Lewis Bay in West Yarmouth, which would connect offshore wind turbines proposed for south of Martha's Vineyard with an electrical substation in Barnstable."
DID THE HOME TEAM WIN? - Yes! The Celtics edged the Nuggets 111-110.
ICYMI - THE LATEST HORSE RACE PODCAST EPISODE: We've got veteran State House News Service reporter Matt Murphy in the bunker this week breaking down Governor Charlie Baker's State of the Commonwealth address. Plus Maureen McInerney, public affairs associate at MassINC fills in for host Steve Koczela to talk fundraising in the governor's race, the election for Suffolk County Register of Deeds (it's wonky, we know) and the upcoming forum featuring the Democrats -- all thirteen -- running for the MA-3. 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.
FOR MORE political and policy news from Massachusetts, check out:http://politi.co/1qNSlWx
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